31 March 2006

Review of residential character zone consent procedures in Auckland City

Auckland City Council will review its residential character zone consent procedures following the demolition of a house in the Residential 1 and 2 heritage-protected area of the city.

General Manager of City Development, John Duthie, says the council did not have all the building records for the house at 29 Marine Parade, Herne Bay.

"However, based on what has come to light, parts of the house were probably built before 1940. Parts of the flooring were certainly from that era but there were clearly a number of additions in the 60s and 70s such as aluminium joinery and pine weatherboards.

"It wasn't one of the pristine examples of architectural character but as a result of the experience we are reviewing the appropriate procedures for homes in the residential 1 and 2 zones," Mr Duthie said.

Mr Duthie noted that the city had dealt with 531 residential character zone consents since the plan change was introduced.

The residential 1 zone is intended to protect the built historic character of Auckland's early established residential neighbourhoods. Promoting the survival of the historic form of these neighbourhoods is the primary objective of this zone. The zone includes large portions of Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, St Mary's Bay, Freemans Bay, and Mt Eden, with smaller pockets in Ellerslie, Onehunga, Parnell, Avondale and Otahuhu.

These areas are dominated by a large number of villas and bungalows which contribute to their valued special character.

The residential 2 zone is intended to protect the spacious and tree-filled qualities of sites characterised by generously sized lots, wide roads and lower densities often with period housing. The residential 2 special character zones can be found primarily in Mt Albert, Herne Bay, Epsom, One Tree Hill, Parnell, Remuera, Kohimarama, and St Heliers. Smaller areas of residential 2 can be found elsewhere in the city

For more information, please see http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/services/zoning

ENDS

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