A new housing density plan is going ahead following a heated Auckland Council debate.

The plan which allows more housing near transport hubs and fewer in natural hazard zones, has passed with 18 in support and 5 opposed.

It will remove 27 percent of Special Character Areas.

Councillor Shane Henderson says the plan now goes out for public consultation. 

"It's time for people to feedback in and say - look, we might have gotten this or that area wrong, or make some adjustments to people's neighbourhoods and things like that. It's really important that we allow people to have their say." 

Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the decision.

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