AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

13 August 2007

More people to become "good neighbours"

An Auckland City Council initiative to promote better relations between neighbours is to be extended following a 10 per cent drop in complaints about building developments "next door".

The "good neighbour" initiative involves sending a letter to neighbours of any building project valued at over $200,000, notifying them that the project has received the council's consent. The letter includes consent conditions (such as damage to council property, construction noise and surface water control) and encourages neighbours to talk directly with the builders if they have any concerns. This has led to a 10 per cent reduction in the number of enquiries from neighbours claiming that illegal building activity was taking place next door.

The Planning and Regulatory Committee decided last week to increase the number of properties targeted with this initiative to neighbours of all developments over $100,000. The chairperson, Councillor Glenda Fryer, says the initiative has improved relations between property owners and developers in what can be a stressful environment.

"This is one of several council initiatives that allow residents to know what is happening in the community. People do not like to wake up one morning and hear hammering next door like a bolt out of the blue. It's about transparency - opening up the process so that the community knows what is going on," Ms Fryer says.

The council issued 1986 letters to neighbours of developments in the past year. As a result, the council had received 66 fewer complaints than the previous year. With each complaint taking an average of 10 hours to process, this represents a combined saving of $80,000 and pays for the system four times over.

"By lowering the threshold for triggering a good neighbour letter to residents, we expect to make more efficient use of council officer time and contribute to better relations between developers and people living nearby," Ms Fryer says.

ENDS

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