ARC notifies Wynyard Quarter coastal plan change decisions

28 November 2008

Auckland Regional Council has released its decisions on submissions to the coastal plan change for Wynyard Quarter.

Plan Change 3 to the Regional Plan: Coastal relates to the use of water space and wharves around the Western Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter (also known as Wynyard Point and the Tank Farm). It corresponds with an Auckland City Council change to the district plan for the adjacent land.

ARC Chairman Mike Lee has welcomed the decisions as an important step in the development of the waterfront.

"There were some clear differences between submitters regarding whether the plan change should provide for urban renewal with an emphasis on commercial and residential development (offices and apartments), hospitality and entertainment, or on the marine, fishing, ferry and bulk liquids sector and related working port activities.

"The commissioners recognise the importance of the marine and fishing industries to the area as a vital element of a dynamic working waterfront, and the importance of the wharves in economic terms.

"Enhanced public access is also encouraged in the new plan."

Mr Lee and three independent commissioners heard evidence from submitters, with nine days of hearings held between 28 July and 18 August 2008.

In response to the submissions and evidence, commissioners recommended to the Council that the plan change be accepted with some amendments. Some of the principal changes are:

* Refinement of the outcomes expected of the proposed Te Wero bridge, to minimise the potential impacts on pedestrian amenity and vessel access to Viaduct Harbour

* Greater emphasis on the need to provide for fishing and marine industries and ferry services; for example, ensuring that Halsey Street Extension Wharf will provide for fishing boat berthage as well as a 'marine events centre'

* Removal of the provision for non-maritime related buildings for offices, retail and entertainment uses on Wynyard Wharf

* The importance of Wynyard Wharf for shipping and ferries

* Public access is encouraged all along the waterfront and wharves

* New requirements for risk assessments before certain risk sensitive activities are allowed to use Wynyard Wharf

* Recognition that enhancements to public access will need to provide for the safety and operational requirements of marine industry activities. On the other hand the marine industry is encouraged to be more open to public access and viewing.

Council has accepted the commissioners' recommendations.

The decision report is available online at www.arc.govt.nz/coastalplan or at the ARC offices at 21 Pitt St, Auckland.

Any person who made a submission or further submission has the right to appeal the plan change decisions to the Environment Court. Appeals must be lodged within 30 working days of when the submitter receives the decision report.

Following the resolution of any appeals, the coastal plan change will need to be approved by the Minister of Conservation.

ENDS

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