Developers challenge zoning changes

8:49 pm on 2 June 2012

Some Christchurch property developers are mounting a legal challenge to zoning changes made by the Earthquake Recovery Minister which he made using his special powers.

Gerry Brownlee's move was aimed at making more land available for residential use but Independent Fisheries - which owns property near Christchurch Airport - says the changes actually prevent its land from being developed.

Following a status hearing, Justice Miller has said that Independent Fisheries claims to have bought the land on the basis it would be rezoned for residential use.

The company says the minister's post-quake zoning changes now preclude residential development on the land and it says Mr Brownlee has acted unreasonably.

The firm has been joined by other landowners who want their properties rezoned while other developers and local councils support the minister's decision.