Grave concerns are being expressed over proposed new planning rules for Christchurch as it continues to rebuild.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Housing Minister Nick Smith believe there's still too much red tape in the Draft District Plan designed by the City Council.

In a letter, the Ministers say many of the draft proposals go some way to meeting expectations, however some were still competing, confusing and conflicting.

They want the plan to be easier to understand, use concise language and reduce red tape before it goes to the public.

In total Brownlee and Smith made 93 recommendations for change. Their comments will be discussed at a meeting today.

Urban Planning expert Hugh Pavletich is welcoming the push to cut red tape, saying both Ministers are 'bang on' in the comments and the council needs to listen.

"The Christchurch City Council planners are really, unfortunately, on a different planet."

"These people need to realise the massive damage they've done in retarding the whole recovery."

Pavletich insists Mayor Dalziel was elected to solve such issues, and it's time she took action on the issue.

"We've been urging Mayor Dalziel to get on to these issues all the way through. This is really a very, very serious matter because it's the rules pertaining to what we can and can't do when rebuilding our city."