Business Comment

Hard choices are ahead as business leaders continue to grapple with the city’s chronic shortage of housing.

In a clear sign of the seriousness of the problem, the economic partnership formally pledged its support to building on the green spaces on the city’s urban fringes.

The controversial amendment to the City Plan was made out of necessity rather than desire.

Councillors are deeply troubled about the prospect, with many residents against the plans.

But the alternative could be much, much worse.

If the City Plan is not signed off then the void left could be free of any restrictions and regulations.

It could create a planning free-for-all with a far more damaging outcome.