8 February 2006 1 page

Time to comment on City Plan heritage provisions

If you own a heritage-listed property, now is the time to comment on the Council’s Issues and Options Discussion Paper, which discusses first steps in reviewing City Plan heritage provisions.

The Council has extended the close-off date for public feedback on this discussion paper to Friday 10 March, due to poor public response. The initial closing date was 28 February.

During the last 10 years, the Council has received feedback from heritage building owners, community and professional groups, and residents’ associations concerned at the loss of heritage buildings in the city. Some say existing City Plan heritage provisions are too onerous while others feel they are too liberal and do not provide enough protection for heritage buildings.

In 2003 the Resource Management Act was amended to include heritage as a matter of national importance – requiring Council to recognise and provide for “the protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development”.

To help the council develop City Plan provisions that achieve the balance of protecting Christchurch’s unique heritage resources, while not unnecessarily burdening owners with red tape, the Council is seeking feedback on its Have Your Say website.

The document is available for downloading from the Council www.ccc.govt.nz on the Christchurch Heritage publications web page, and electronic comments can be submitted at www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay/ on line by emailing the contact person with answers to questions provided.

ENDS

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