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Residents in St Heliers and the surrounding suburbs have made their views known loud and clear in a survey released today by St Heliers/Glendowie Residents Association and Save Our St Heliers.

“We were overwhelmed with the response to the survey’ said Keith Savory Chairman of St Heliers/Glendowie Residents Association. ‘This really underlines the strength of feeling in the local community with over 1600 people replying to the survey telling us conclusively what they think." he said.

Over 85% of residents agreed that St Heliers has a special character but felt that current planning processes do not protect it.

“Residents believe they are shut out of the process and feel powerless to protect what they love about the village” said Sally Hughes, Chair of Save our St Heliers, the group that was formed in the aftermath of the demolition of 5 character cottages in Turua Street. “In the months since we lost Turua Street nothing has changed to protect the seaside character of St Heliers” said Ms Hughes.

The two organisations say the survey results give the Orakei Local Board the mandate to call on the Auckland Council to strengthen planning processes and redevelop the Village Centre Plan.

“A recent development going up on the waterfront has shocked residents” says Keith Savory, “they think it is out of keeping with the village and too high”.

ENDS

Main Survey Facts
• 92% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that St Heliers Village has a special character
• 83% want stronger building guidelines in order to protect the character of the Village
• 80% want the height restriction lowered
• 70% of respondents do not agree that current building restrictions adequately protect the character of St Heliers Village
• 80% disagreed with the notion that local residents do not need to be involved in the development approval process
• 92% agree or strongly agree that future development should support the existing Village character
• 84% agree or strongly agreed that as long as the character of the Village is preserved, future development should be allowed
• 75% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that all new development should be halted until a new Village Centre Plan has been formulated and agreed upon

Survey_presentation_FINAL.ppt

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