Multi-unit developments can be a polarising subject and the Dunedin City Council wants to hear what people think of them ahead of possible tweaks to planning rules.
One survey is for anyone who has a view on the design of recently built multi-unit housing and a second survey is for people who live in such units, have done so previously or are considering it.
The council outlined the likely territory of discussion.
"Enabling multi-unit housing is a key part of Dunedin’s strategy to meet its housing needs, supporting people to live in areas with good access to services, facilities and transport options," it said.
"Providing for more housing in existing urban areas is also important for keeping the cost of growth down, such as the costs associated with providing or upgrading infrastructure including roads, Three Waters infrastructure, and parks and recreation facilities.
"However, we also understand that the potential change in neighbourhood character and amenity that can come from more intensive housing can be perceived by some people to have negative effects on their neighbourhood."
TGC Homes director George Hercus said he expected opinions from both sides, including polarising views, would be forthcoming.
Mr Hercus said there was a shortage of housing in the city and it had to be dealt with one way or another — if not by building upwards or through medium-density development, then through greenfields development, which imposed greater infrastructure costs and put pressure on rates.
"There are trade-offs everywhere and the council is trying to balance that," he said.
"As a housing company, we just build what the city wants to be built."
Mr Hercus said an emphasis on heritage, character, streetscape and amenity had been established.
"I personally think they’ve already found that balance."
Southern Heritage Trust chairwoman Jo Galer said community concern about multi-unit developments had been emerging.
"People are approaching us to give their views," she said.
Among the concerns was the developments sometimes looked "cheap" and their emergence took people by surprise.
"This is new for Dunedin," Ms Galer said.
"It has to be done with great care.
"Dunedin is known for its quality architecture."
Townhouses caused such a stir in the city earlier this year that residents in one street took to using stickers to warn developers to stay away.
It was a tongue-in-cheek effort, but Rawhiti St resident Graeme Franklyn said concerns included inadequate infrastructure and a feeling the units "didn’t look particularly great".
In the end, a future development strategy for Dunedin did not include Rawhiti St among areas proposed for future residential intensification.
The city council is reviewing district plan provisions relating to heritage and design of multi-unit housing and this appears likely to lead to initiation of a plan change later this year.
