North Shore Times (New Zealand)
UNITARY PLAN PROGRESS
Regarding Carol Scott’s letter, Housing Zones (March 2), I am of a very different opinion in terms of what people are actually buying and then building. We (Sentinel Planning) represent a good number. Most are Mum and Dad developers, so to speak. Almost zero are replacing one house for another, why would you!
The appeal related to ‘‘Out of Scope’’ matters with regard to the rezoning of the single house zone to more intensive zones, as well as Mixed Housing Suburban zones to more intensive zones. The appeal made zero reference to heritage buildings. Even if the appeal was successful (which is wasn’t) all the properties covered by that appeal could be demolished as of right unless they were covered by a character overlay (which remains unchanged). To say it is the death knell for thousands of heritage villas and bungalows is an ‘‘alternate fact’’.
Yes, some non-heritage protected houses will be demolished or removed to make way for either new stand-alone or intensive developments but that is simply progress. I applaud Justice Whata in his decision confirming the earlier opinion of the Unitary Plan Hearing Commissioners.
The new rules are a mechanism to bring more affordable housing to the city by freeing up larger underdeveloped lots for the housing of the younger generation. We have numerous clients helping the housing crisis now where we will be building four small three-bedroom, semidetached dwellings where once a larger home or two would have stood. Lets now all move on and forward together.
Simon O’Connor
Sunnynook
IN HANDS OF VISIGOTHS
The council-controlled organisation (CCO), Panuku Development Auckland, has the task, of ‘‘recycling’’ (read selling) Council assets, which are ‘‘underutilised’’. One public asset on the blocks is the Northcote Shopping Centre, established by the former Northcote Borough Council. It was the first municipally owned shopping centre in New Zealand, just in time for the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and a large influx of new residents.
Council obtained a special Empowering Act from the Labour Government allowing it to buy land for the centre. The aim was to provide local employment opportunities, and return funds from ground rentals to the council to provide further benefits and facilities for the people of Northcote Borough. This visionary thinking has provided many millions of dollars, firstly, to the people of Northcote and, later, to North Shore City.
The latest amalgamation into the inept ‘‘Super’’ City has led to the proposal to sell the land, deemed ‘‘underperforming’’ and ‘‘surplus’’ to requirements. I understand much of the free parking area will be built on two perfectly good, fairly modern public assets (NorthArt and the public library), which will be demolished, and the important public park adjacent to the shopping centre will be taken over for construction machinery and materials.
Regrettably positive planning for public benefits seems to have died with this corporatised council and CCOs which seem charged to sell as much as possible for the benefit of the private sector. They seem not be required to obtain mandates from the people, local boards, or council. We are in the hands of the Visigoths!
Tony Holman QSO
Northcote Point
HAVE YOUR SAY
Letters should not exceed 250 words and must have full name, residential address and phone number. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or withhold any correspondence without explanation. Letters may be referred to others for right of reply before publication. Email: nsnews@snl.co.nz Mail: North Shore Times, PO Box 79, Orewa.