Zone 2 changes recommended

From City Scene, published on 27 April, 2008

Auckland City Council's City Development Committee has recommended changes to building controls for homes in residential 2 areas. Current controls on demolishing pre-1940s homes in residential 1 zoned areas will remain. However, the committee recommends removing demolition controls from parts of residential 2 zoned areas where there is a greater mix of styles and ages of homes.

"Preserving our historic character buildings is essential for keeping our past alive," says deputy chairperson of the committee, Councillor Graeme Mulholland. "Our recommendation reflects that the diverse mix of styles and ages of homes found within the residential 2 zone means not all of these need strict protection by the council."

The committee will consider, street-by-street, which residential zone 2 areas exhibit the high quality characteristics of the zone and which do not, and recommend removing pre-1940s demolition controls from the latter.

The recommendation is another step in the appeal process against plan change 163, which affects what owners can do with their historic homes in residential zones 1 and 2. The matter is expected to be settled in the Environment Court.