Christchurch's housing development could sky-rocket, if a plan change goes ahead

More intense housing growth will be allowed in most residential parts of the city under the proposed Draft Housing and Business Choice Plan Change.

The plan, now out for consultation, is driven by the Government's direction for more housing to accommodate a growing population.

Christchurch City Council's infrastructure, planning and regulatory services general manager Jane Davis says under this direction, it has to enable medium density housing.

The new rules will see developments of up to three homes of up to three storeys, without needing resource consent.