Wellington Spatial Plan: Heritage or new houses?

A controversial plan to create more homes for a growing population in Wellington is back on the council's table, with another version of the 30 year Spatial Plan released last week, to be voted on this Thursday. The latest iteration increased the areas of houses protected due to their character, to the dismay of people who want to see more growth in the city. But character areas will be reduced by 60 percent compared to now under the plan. Key to the creation of the spatial plan, which will dictate how the city is built for the next 30 years, is the direction of the Government as set out in the New Policy Statement for Urban Development. The legislation calls for councils to make sure planning is meeting demand, and that developments suit the community. Senior Lecturer at Victoria University's Wellington School of Architecture Guy Marriage discusses the plan with Kathryn.