MEDIA RELEASE

27 May 2005

Survey results support stronger protection rules for residential 1 and 2 special character zones

Aucklanders living in character-home suburbs overwhelmingly back moves to protect their neighbourhoods’ heritage qualities.

An Auckland City Council survey sent to 1000 homes in residential 1 and 2 zones received a high 41 per cent response rate, and finds:
Living in the zones was a deciding factor for 76 per cent when they bought their homes
80 per cent feel it is “very important” to keep the special character of the areas
73 per cent feel it is “very Important” for the city council to control the appearance of houses in their streets, specially new buildings and additions and alterations
73 per cent are in favour of the council having the discretion to decline a resource consent for additions and alterations in the character zones if a proposal does not meet design criteria.

Other significant results include strong support (72.5 per cent) for boosted powers to control demolition of existing buildings and construction of double garages and carports (55 per cent).

The survey was designed to help the council better understand residents’ expectations and what they valued about their neighbourhoods.

The results form part of the research behind the proposed plan change 163, proposed changes to residential 1 and 2 zones provisions.

“Based on these responses, we feel we are acting on the desires and feelings of people actually living within these areas,” says Councillor Christine Caughey, chairperson of Auckland City Council’s Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee.

”Residents knew about the special character when they bought their homes – and they want to save their neighbourhoods’ character, even though this means tighter controls on what they can do with their own properties in the future.

“The results reflect a real depth of feeling,” say Ms Caughey. “We were very impressed with the response rate and the genuine interest that so many people have in the protection of Auckland’s heritage and character zones.”

A full copy of the research results are available by contacting Auckland City on (09) 379 2020.

For additional information about proposed plan change 163 and making a submission please contact Auckland City or visit the website: www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/isthmusdistrictplan

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