Galatea Terrace development granted resource consent

Auckland City Regulatory and Fixtures commissioners have approved a non-notified resource consent application for a residential development at 15-17 Galatea Terrace, Herne Bay.

The application approved by commissioners includes the construction of a new dwelling, installing an in-ground swimming pool and converting a garage into a guest bedroom and ensuite.

Under the current district plan rules, Auckland City has no discretion over the removal of buildings in residential 1 and 2b zones. This is a permitted activity which does not require resource consent.

This issue was addressed by the City Development Committee at its September meeting at which it recommended the approval of $180,000 for the review of residential zone 1 and 2b in the District Plan (Isthmus section). The Finance and Corporate Business Services Committee subsequently approved this funding.

“Guidelines and new planning rules for development in residential zones 1 and 2b will be investigated as part of this review to ensure that the objectives of the district plan are being met," says Mr John Duthie, group manager city planning.

Residential zones 1 and 2b are special character zones with associated development guidelines.

Planning approval is required to undertake building projects in these zones, including fencing and walls in front yards. Planning requirements control the location, extent, form, mass, proportion and building materials used on a property, and ensure that any new development does not adversely affect neighbours or the character of the surrounding area.

A city planner’s report says the proposed development at 15-17 Galatea Terrace takes into account the character of the residential zone and will be constructed of materials compatible with the architectural style predominant in the area including a moderately pitched gable roof, chimneys, wrap around verandah and mullioned windows.

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