Visual impact

From City Scene, published on 26 August, 2007

Auckland City Council opposes proposed government standards for installing telecommunication equipment on road reserves. A submission from the Works and Services Committee on national environmental standards to telecommunication facilities says the proposed provisions would adversely affect the local environment. "The proposed standards would remove the council's discretion to assess applications on a case-by-case basis and propose design standards to lessen the visual effects of telecommunication equipment cabinets," says chairperson, Councillor Neil Abel. The submission includes advice on how good design, screening and landscaping could reduce the cabinets' intrusiveness. It also expresses concerns about how the new provisions, if approved, would impact heritage and character areas.