The Master Builders Association is applauding pressure on councils to process resource consents more rapidly as a way of making housing more affordable.
The Government has proposed a time limit on processing consents for subdivisions of 20 houses or more.
Council planning departments could also be consolidated into regional hubs or a single national centre and be opened to competition.
The Master Builders Association says that would help ensure councils turn around applications speedily or risk losing the work.
Concern at prospect of lower housing costs
Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse is worried the the plan could be at the expense of public involvement in housing developments.
The Government wants to reduce the costs and delays associated with the Resource Management Act, and introduce a time limit of six months.
Ms Hulse is concerned that shortening the consent processing time could cut the community's involvement in any developments.
She hopes the Government does not intend to also pressure the council into releasing more land for housing development than it wants to.
Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says it's important people have a say on local developments.
Finance Minister Bill English said many of the changes that will make a difference lie with councils and the Government expects them to share its commitment to improving housing affordability.
