Background
Plan Change 40 is in three parts. Firstly the Plan Change seeks to provide increased building heights for that part of the Taupō Town Centre - Pedestrian Precinct as associated with the block between Roberts Street, Tongariro Street, Te Heuheu Street and fronting Ruapehu Street. The increase in maximum height limits provides for greater opportunities for redevelopment and to facilitate a compact town centre.
Urban Design performance standards are inserted by the Proposed Plan Change (as a Restricted Discretionary Activity), which in addition to the existing performance standards for shop frontages, verandas and signage, are to manage urban design outcomes associated with higher buildings.
The second change provides additional certainty that the many ‘service lanes’ that provide for back of house access for several businesses through the Taupō Town Centre Precincts are not subject to requirements for veranda provision where adjoining sites are redeveloped. This ensures clarity that it is the pedestrian frontages and pedestrian laneway system that is the subject of the veranda requirement.
Finally This Plan Change contains amendments to increase the permitted number of operational days where any (single) temporary activity can occur (from three (3) days in any one calendar year, to four (4) days in any six month period) and increasing the non-operational days, that is days used to set up and take down facilities (to 14 days over a six month period). This change is to support the wealth of functions and events that bring people to the District.
