Protecting volcanic cones

From City Scene, published on 12 August, 2007

Natural assets - A recent plan change for the district plan's "residential 3" zone means future protection for six of our city's natural icons, including Titikopuke Mt St John, pictured above.

The council's decision on a plan change to the district plan's "residential 3" zone will provide future protection for six of our city's natural icons. The new rules aim to preserve the natural landscape and special character of neighbourhoods around the volcanic cones of Maungawhau Mt Eden, Owairaka Mt Albert, Titikopuke Mt St John, Remuwera Mt Hobson and Te Tatua a Riukiuta Three Kings, as well as the Glendowie coastal cliffs.

The chairperson of the hearings panel that considered the plan change, Councillor Glenda Fryer, says the new rules balance the rights of property owners with the need to afford greater protection to the unique landforms that characterise our city.

"The provisions of the zone needed strengthening to give greater protection to these features and ensure they remain intact," she says.

The panel considered issues such as the assessment of building alterations not visible from the street, the use of native plants and trees in the backyards of properties backing onto the cones, height limits on new buildings and fences, and rules governing how high up the slope of a volcanic cone people can build.