A Christchurch City Council review into the quality of recent medium and high density housing developments has found some to be of poor quality

The review involved a survey of 46 residential developments consented and built in areas of the city zoned for medium or high-density housing since the Christchurch District Plan became operative in 2016.

It found some of the developments fall short of the desired standard.

While most of the residential developments were close to a ‘satisfactory’ or basic quality overall, some were assessed to be of poor quality.

The majority of the issues with the developments related to poor site layout.

The review says more consideration needs to be given to the arrangement of buildings on site so that buildings and private spaces function effectively and relate well to the street and neighbours, without privacy conflicts or the need for prominent fencing.

More space also needs to be allocated to gardens and tree planting. “This would create a safer, more pleasant environment.”

The review findings will be formally presented to the Council’s Urban Development and Transport Committee on Wednesday 9 September.