Update: Peninsula Capital Proposal for Central Devonport
Spokesperson McRae
Locals’ Concerns
Around fifty people came to the Devonport Heritage monthly committee meeting last week, concerned about Peninsula Capital’s attempt to fast track its plans for central Devonport.
This application was declined so was not included in the government legislation that was passed in December. However it is likely that Peninsula will reapply as the fast track process is much cheaper and faster for developers.
Much concern was expressed that Peninsula Capital wants to avoid sharing its plans and consulting with locals as the fast track method cuts out all opportunities to comment on the proposal.
However spokesmen for the company have continued to say they are committed to sharing their plans with the community and gain our support.
We can only applaud this commitment and hold them to it as their plans take shape.
We believe it is essential that their proposals, that involve altering listed heritage buildings and constructing new apartments, goes through the normal resource consent process.
This is the only way to ensure that building heights and heritage values are protected.
What You Can Do
The fast track method is a political process so pressuring the politicians may help.
If you want to prevent this proposal being fast tracked by the Government you can email Auckland MPs and cabinet ministers especially our local MP and Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Minister for Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith.
You can also email Auckland councillors and Devonport/Takapuna local board members. Afterall major local planning changes should be decided by local government, not central Government politicians.
Suggested points to raise are:
Major changes to central Devonport are not appropriate to be included in the Government’s Fast Track legislation.
Victoria Road is a nationally significant, highly valued historical precinct with twenty scheduled historic heritage buildings.
Auckland Unitary Plan height sensitive and special character area provisions are designed to protect the fragile historic value of the area and must not be ignored.
These provisions are in danger of being flouted in the pursuit of housing intensification.
There are significant access problems with Lake Road as well as water and wastewater restrictions.
Major changes to central Devonport, including new buildings, must be considered through the resource consent process that allows full scrutiny of proposals.
Make sure to write in your own style and not simply copy these points
Emails: Central Government
simon.watts@parliament.govt.nz
Simeon.Brown@parliament.govt.nz
paul.goldsmith@parliamant.govt.nz (Minister for Culture & Heritage)
Emails: Auckland Council
chris.darby@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
richard.hills@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Good luck!
Margot McRae and Trish Deans
Co chairs