Updated 3:35pm: After heated exchanges and a lengthy debate the outline for Auckland's future downtown development has been given the go-ahead.

The Auckland Development Committee has endorsed the Downtown Framework, which will evolve over time, guiding work in the harbour edge area.

Councillors voted 15 to four in favour of endorsing the document.

A final decision's yet to be made on the sale of Queen Elizabeth Square, which would provide the council with funding for at least two public space developments.

Auckland councillors are lamenting the lack of public consultation over plans for downtown developments.

Councillor John Watson says he won't be voting in support of the sale.

Downtown Framework gets Auckland Mayor's support

Len Brown's strongly supporting a document that will guide development of Auckland's downtown and waterfront precinct.

The Auckland Development Committee is today debating whether to endorse the Downtown Framework, which outlines how key development will fit together.

The mayor says an endorsement will progress Auckland's move to a more 'walkable' city.

"The thing I love most about the downtown framework is that we are increasingly making this a place of public open space, a place of walkability, a place that people want to visit internationally."