- Planning Minister upholds Town of Cambridge decision on Christ Church playing fields
- The decision means the playing fields will be retained for use as a public open space
Planning Minister Rita Saffioti has today announced she will not be supporting a request to initiate a scheme amendment for the Christchurch playing fields.
Christ Church Grammar School had proposed a scheme amendment that sought to reclassify the eight-hectare site on McClemans Road from Parks and Recreation to Development, and to introduce a Special Control Area that would support the development of low-density housing.
In early 2022, the Town of Cambridge resolved to not initiate the proposed scheme amendment.
Under section 76 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 Christ Church Grammar School appealed the Town of Cambridge's decision to the Planning Minister.
In considering the section 76 appeal, the Planning Minister determined there was not sufficient evidence and merit to support the scheme amendment being initiated.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"While I understand the desire for the school to have playing fields adjacent to its campus, the loss of the public open space in this area is not something I could support.
"I carefully considered this request and determined that any new housing development did not outweigh the benefits of retaining the site as a public open space.
"While I support infill and improving housing choice and affordability, we need to consider each proposal on its merits, and in this case, I could not support it coming at the expense of existing playing fields."
