Auckland City Council
Media release

10 April 2008

Council moves to protect Auckland’s historic suburbs

Amendments to plan change 163, which preserves Auckland’s historic character through building controls in the residential 1 and 2 zones, have been recommended by the City Development Committee.

In rejecting the settlement offer by three appellants to the plan change, the committee resolved to distinguish areas in the residential 2 zone that exhibit the high quality characteristics of the zone from those that do not. The committee is suggesting a position that would remove the pre-1940s demolition control from areas that display little or no remaining characteristics of the zone.

The current controls on the demolition of pre-1940 buildings in the residential 1 zone will remain.

The amendments represent a further step in the appeal process. The council will now discuss the position with the appellants and related parties. It is likely the matter will need to be settled in the Environment Court.

The deputy chairperson of the City Development Committee, Councillor Graeme Mulholland, said the amendments reflect the fact that the council is strongly committed to preserving Auckland’s heritage, while recognising that the residential 2 zone contains areas of varied quality and style.

“Our proposed position recognises the different natures of the areas within the residential 2 zone and the mix of buildings contributing to the character of the zone. Not all buildings within zone 2 warrant strict protection.

“We will continue to control the demolition of buildings in the residential 1 zone as these areas exhibit a high concentration and uniformity of historic character buildings, which are essential to the preservation of our heritage,” he said.

ENDS

Note to Editor:

The residential 1 zone protects the historic character of Auckland’s early residential neighbourhoods. Large numbers of villas and bungalows contribute to the special character of these areas.

The residential 2 zone protects the spacious and tree-filled sites characterised by generously sized lots. This zone is characterised by a mix of building styles.

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