Distraught homeowners ‘in tears’ after decision
Homeowners in some of Auckland’s leafiest suburbs were left ‘‘in tears’’ after finding their streets rezoned.
The High Court ruled the panel considering Auckland’s controversial Unitary Plan acted lawfully in reaching its decision allowing increased density in residential housing in certain areas of the city. The court released its finding on 51 appeals and judicial review applications on January 13.
About 29,000 properties zoned single house and mixed housing suburban were in the areas considered by the appeals, including properties in Mt Albert, Glendowie, Blockhouse Bay, Judges Bay, Grey Lynn and Takanini. The court found the panel’s approach to scope for residential zoning in the key test case areas was lawful.
Character Coalition chairwoman Sally Hughes was disappointed in the decision. The coalition is an umbrella organisation representing 67 different groups committed to protecting Auckland’s heritage. They didn’t represent all the 29,000 property owners affected, many of whom had contacted them ‘‘in tears’’ after learning of the rezoning, she says.
Council declined to comment on the decision.