Council encourages feedback on heritage areas

11 July 2008

The City Development Committee has reconfirmed the importance of protecting the city's historic character in residential 2 zones, to assist the council's negotiations on appeals to the Environment Court on plan change 163 (residential 1 and 2 zones).

The committee has confirmed its position in the appeal negotiations that the pre-1940s demolition control, proposed in plan change 163, be removed from residential 2 streets and properties that display little or no remaining characteristics of the zone.

A review of properties in the residential 2 zone was undertaken by the council to determine a consistent approach to demolition control areas. Areas that retain a sufficient "garden suburb" character were identified as worthy of being protected.

"We are committed to preserving Auckland's heritage and character streetscapes. We recognise that there is a strong need to protect the best of residential 2," the chairperson of the City Development Committee, Councillor Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

"Our recommendations are a sensible and workable solution to encourage the preservation of our heritage for the future."

The council is seeking feedback from the public on the recommendations. Information and maps outlining the proposed protection rules are being sent to all occupiers and owners within the residential 2 zone for feedback.

The future of the residential 1 and 2 zones is being appealed in the Environment Court. Public feedback will help to inform the council's position in this process.

From Saturday 12 July, the criteria determining which parts of the residential 2 zone will no longer be subject to the demolition control and maps detailing those areas affected, will be available online.

The deadline for submitting feedback to the council is 5pm on Thursday, 7 August 2008.