18 September 2013

Will all of Auckland get the Howick treatment?

“Disturbing revelations over new zoning rules are beginning to emerge from the notified Unitary Plan which is still not open for public viewing despite the imminent release of voting papers,” says Mayoral candidate John Palino.

“The suburban neighbourhoods of Howick and Pakuranga will be completely transformed under new provisions, leaked documents show.

“In the draft version of the Unitary Plan which was released to the public earlier this year, the controversial mixed housing zone, which permits multi-storey apartment developments, was limited to the Pakuranga Highway and Buckland’s Beach Rd corridors.

“This level of development carried a degree of resident acceptance, but now mixed housing zoning has been extended right throughout those eastern suburbs.

“That means that anyone in the entire Howick and Pakuranga area with 1200m2 can redevelop their property with three level apartments, no off street car parking and without consulting neighbours.

“If these apartments block sunlight, restrict views, remove trees and crowd quiet suburban streets with parked cars, neighbours will not be given the ability to object if these provisions become operational.

“How can the people of Howick and Pakuranga not be allowed access to this information before unaware voters are sent electoral papers this weekend?

“What other suburbs in Auckland have suffered the same fate? How many other residents who gave their time to engage with the Council will find their communities exposed to unscrupulous development?

“Where is the evidence that shows that these areas possess the transport, water and other public services sufficient to accommodate this many people?

“There is none.

“This is truly outrageous. Residents must at the very least be given the opportunity to see these plans before they vote.

“If I’m wearing the Mayoral chains next month, I’ll be completely overhauling the appalling process behind the Unitary Plan and handing decision making over to communities because I believe in our people to make the right decisions,” said Palino.

ENDS

The Office of John Palino 63 Ponsonby Road, Auckland

Email: info@palinoformayor.co.nz Web: www.palinoformayor.co.nz Authorised By John Palino

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