Auckland Unitary Plan appeals

‘‘Our appeal is very focused on three areas on which the plan doesn't adequately protect biodiversity.’’

Forest & Bird, Smith and Caughey’s and Countdown supermarkets are among the dozens that have appealed the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The plan is the city’s blue print for future growth and will replace existing district and regional plans.

Over 20 trusts, companies and individuals appealed the plan in the High Court and Environment Court in the weeks leading up to September 19, the final date for appeal submissions.

Environmental watch dog Forest & Bird were among the bigger names to appeal, with concerns the plan inappropriately classified significant biodiversity area - if the land had a secondary potential use, as a quarry for example.

Forest & Bird’s lawyer Sally Gebb said the focus was on ensuring the plan included good protection for Auckland’s remaining biodiversity and landscapes.

‘‘Our appeal is very focused on three areas on which the plan doesn’t adequately protect biodiversity and in particular the way in which significant biodiversity areas are identified and the policies to protect them.

‘‘How the panel have gone about it and what the council have accepted is wrong and we want to set it on the right path.’’