The Future of Land Development: Trends in Design Plans
Land development is a complex process of transforming raw land into usable sections. It requires careful consideration of population growth, economic development, and community needs when creating land development design plans.
As New Zealand’s towns and cities expand, land development projects are increasingly on the rise, with mixed-housing developments leading the way. Modern trends such as community-oriented spaces, the 15-minute city concept, and climate-resilient infrastructure are reshaping the way Kiwis build.
Whether you’re planning a small subdivision or managing a large-scale multi-unit complex development, you must understand these land development design trends to create enduring structures.
1. Mixed-Use and High-Density Development Plans
To address the growing housing demand with limited land availability in New Zealand, especially in urban centers like Auckland and Wellington, mixed-use and higher-density designs are on the rise. Mixed-use development plans combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within a single area or building. While high-density development plans focus on building more housing units within a limited land area. This includes multi-storey apartments, terraced homes, or townhouses to maximise land use while accommodating more people.
Under the Resource Management Amendment Act 2021, the government has permitted the construction of up to three residential units of up to three storeys on most sites without requiring resource consent. This legislation has further accelerated the adoption of mixed-use and higher-density housing projects across the country.
2. The Rise of the 15-minute City Concept
The 15-minute city concept is an urban planning model designed to create self-sufficient neighbourhoods where all essential amenities—such as schools, workplaces, healthcare, and shops—are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This design prioritises mixed-use developments and active transport options like walking and cycling.
This concept is gaining traction globally and is being adapted to fit New Zealand’s unique landscape. Cities like Auckland and Wellington are adopting the concept in their urban planning to address housing shortages, traffic congestion, and environmental challenges.
Examples include developments with ground-floor retail spaces and upper-level apartments, or neighbourhoods with co-working spaces, cafes, and daycare facilities integrated into residential areas.
3. Compact Subdivisions
In response to the nationwide housing demand, developers are optimising land use by creating compact subdivisions that maximise space without compromising quality.
These designs focus on:
- Smaller Lot Sizes: Allowing for more homes within a given area while maintaining liveability.
- Shared Amenities: Incorporating shared parks, playgrounds, and community gardens to enhance the overall experience for residents.
- Innovative Housing Types: Exploring alternatives like terraced homes, duplexes, and even modular housing to meet diverse needs.
4. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design Principles
Environmental stewardship holds significant value in all new development plans in New Zealand. This trend integrates green practices into every stage of development, from planning and construction to long-term maintenance. Recent reforms in New Zealand’s planning laws, including the Natural and Built Environments Act 2023, are placing greater emphasis on sustainable designs. These changes encourage developers to think holistically, balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations in their designs.
5. Climate-Resilient Design Features
With the growing impact of climate change, design plans in New Zealand are prioritising resilience. Coastal developments, for instance, must address rising sea levels through elevated infrastructure or managed retreat strategies. Similarly, projects in flood-prone areas are incorporating elevated building platforms and enhanced drainage systems.
Local councils are encouraging developers to adopt climate-resilient designs by offering incentives for projects that exceed minimum standards. This approach ensures that communities are not just built for today but are prepared for future environmental challenges.
Key Challenges in Implementing These Design Trends
One of the biggest hurdles developers face in land development projects is adhering to planning and zoning regulations. Developers must ensure compliance with the Resource Management Act (RMA) and local council guidelines, which can vary significantly across regions. This process includes obtaining consents for changes in land use or higher-density developments.
Additionally, a thorough survey must be conducted by licensed surveyors before starting any development project. This helps assess the natural contours of the land and ensures that the structural design is stable and complies with local geotechnical standards.
Furthermore, every design trend requires comprehensive documentation to meet legal and consenting standards. Ensuring this paperwork is accurate and complete can be challenging, particularly for large-scale projects.
Fluker Surveying Can Help Simplify the Land Development Design Process
Fluker Surveying has three decades of expertise in successfully completing land development projects in Auckland. With an in-depth understanding of the Auckland Unitary Plan, we collaborate closely with developers and builders on high-density development projects to deliver exceptional results.
From land subdivision projects and town planning to mixed-use housing developments and new infrastructure initiatives, we specialise in creating land development design plans tailored to your needs.
Call us today at 09-427-0003 to discuss your requirements.
