Wellington City councillors are trumpeting the acceptance of the Town Belt Bill as a historic day for the capital.

The bill has been passed unanimously by the Council, paving the way for the protection of the green space around the city.

Councillor Helene Ritchie says it means there’s more land now that can’t be built on.

“In 1841 there were 624 hectares put aside for the Town Belt. By 1995 that had reduced to 424 hectares and today they will be 520 hectares.” 

The Bill is to be sponsored by Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson when it goes before parliament.

– Newstalk ZB