Heritage fund axed for now
Owners of heritage buildings in Horowhenua will miss out on funding to help them look after their buildings this year.
Money available for conserving, restoring and enhancing heritage buildings in the district was scrapped at a Horowhenua District Council meeting last week.
The fund had granted $30,000 for conservation, restoration and strengthening work, including advice and plans, and $20,000 for a waiver or reimbursement of resource consent fees.
Councillors decided the fund was not essential after the economic downfall postcoronavirus and wanted to reduce costs and its proposed rates increase.
The fund and its criteria would be reevaluated at next year’s Long-termplan deliberations.
Councillor Ross Brannigan said it was a big incentive for people putting money into their heritage buildings and that the fund was always well contested, had a clear public good and helped maintain the character of the district.
‘‘I would like to see it back on the table next year.’’
Crwayne Bishop said when he saw the report of recipients, he was disappointed it wasmostly private claims and maintenance.
He was looking forward to redeveloping the criteria before the fund’s return.
Deputy mayor Jo Mason said she supported the cut, as long as it was revisited next year.
It had previously provided assistance for owners of properties that were listed in ‘‘schedule two’’ of the Horowhenua District Plan, or properties in the town centre heritage and character zones of Foxton and Shannon.
A letter will be sent to eligible heritage property owners to inform them of its scrapping.