Structure Planning

A structure plan is a framework that can be used to guide the development or redevelopment of a particular area. It is used to define future development and land use patterns, areas of open space, the layout and nature of infrastructure (including transportation links), and other key features for managing the effects of development.

Structure plans comprise one or more maps, plans or diagrammatic representations of the proposed layout, features, character and links for areas being developed.

The maps or plans are usually supported by text explaining the background to the issues that initiated the structure plan, and the management approaches to be used to deal with those issues.

A structure plan may be particularly useful when there is a need or desire to:

• provide integrated management of complex environmental issues within a defined geographical area (eg urban growth, inner city redevelopment, natural hazards management, improved water quality and quantity management, and protection of natural and cultural heritage values)
• co-ordinate the staging of development over time, particularly where large areas are to be developed
• ensure co-ordinated and compatible patterns and intensities of development in order to manage the effects of development across parcels of land in different ownerships, and between existing and proposed areas of development and redevelopment
• provide a co-ordinated approach to infrastructure provision and other services across land parcels in different ownerships, or over different local authority or regional council boundaries.
• provide higher levels of certainty to developers, the council, the public and affected parties regarding the layout, character and costs of development in an area earmarked for growth or redevelopment.

There is no one set way to develop a structure plan. In each case the process will depend on the scale and complexity of the area, the issues to be managed, the anticipated level of stakeholder and public interest, and the purpose for which the structure plan is to be used.

Most structure planning exercises do incorporate the following phases or components:

1. Scoping of issues and initial planning
2. Stakeholder identification and consultation – throughout the process
3. Research and information analysis
4. Generation and evaluation of alternatives and identification of preferred options
5. Finalisation of plan and implementation.

A structure plan may need to be implemented through a variety of regulatory and non-regulatory methods, including:

• preparing and finalising the plans, maps and accompanying text (and plan provisions, where a plan change or variation is required), taking into account the means by which the plan is to be implemented
• the final costing calculations (for infrastructure provision for example) and associated financial contribution calculations (if applicable)
• associated statutory documentation (including a section 32 evaluation if the structure plan is to be implemented by way of a plan change).
• esignation processes for new works or facilities depending on the parties involved and the timing, new designation requirements may come from a range of requiring authorities and could be incorporated into the plan change
• Reserves Act 1977 gazette notices procedures (for new recreation or scenic reserves, for example)
• covenanting or other memorial processes such as those under the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Act 1977, or Conservation Act 1987 (where land or features are to be protected through non-district plan methods but remain in private ownership, for example)
• integrated catchment consents (stormwater discharges, etc.) obtained to provide for development to take place up to a predicted level (with appropriate standards incorporated into any relevant district plan)
• consultation under the LGA (where no other consultation has already been provided for)
• the production of design guidelines or design codes necessary to achieve the desired quality of the development.

Acknowledgement: This page has been prepared using material available on the Quality planning website

Quality planning website