Kapiti Coast District Council has voted to restrict the sale of psychoactive substances in the district.

Councillors have agreed on a policy which will see a zone created on Kapiti Road in Paraparaumu, where the legal highs can be sold.

Mayor Ross Church says he'd rather the highs couldn't be sold anywhere at all, but this is the best the council can do for Kapiti right now.

"If we don't restrict it to that area, I believe it will be available everywhere, and that will be a far worse position.

"The best decision I believe I can make is to restrict this as much as possible."

The policy has caused controversy amongst locals, as the zone is next to the proposed site for a new Catholic school and church.