Pre-1944 and Historic Character overlay changes

As part of the Unitary Plan process, Auckland Council released updated maps on 30 October. These show the results of work on the precautionary Pre-1944 building overlay and also changes to the Historic Character overlay( previously called Special Character). Devonport Heritage are investigating the removal of the Historic Character overlay from the end of Stanley Point, which would give it different planning rules with regard to demolition, new buildings and additions and alterations to all other areas on the Devonport Peninsula. We had not been aware of any potential changes to the overlay, which has existed in Devonport for about 20 years. In the map below you can see the area with grey squares at the end of Stanley Point where it is now proposed that the overlay be removed. The blue shading shows areas to be retained. Pre-1944 areas have also been adjusted with a much smaller area now being considered. This particular overlay is likely to have a 'sunset clause' with heritage assessments completed within about 2 years of the plan becoming fully operative. 

Check back here soon for updates to this developing story.

PAUP - Revised maps of heritage overlays Devonport. Blue colour denotes Historic Character overlay to be retained. Mauve denotes Pre-1944 overlay to be retained.

Unitary plan- Pre 1944 Demolition and Historic Character Areas

Devonport Heritage is disturbed by the implications of an interim decision by the Unitary Plan independent Hearings Panel that special character or historic areas of Auckland may not be eligible for protection under the Unitary Plan.

This view has shocked Auckland's heritage groups who submitted for stronger protection for heritage buildings. 

Instead the Hearings Panel says the council planners have erred in changing the terminology for heritage areas from 'character' to 'historic heritage'.

The panel therefore says the overlays that were designed to protect heritage areas will not work unless there are cumbersome plan changes to all these areas. 

The panel says the Council and all it's legal advisors have used the incorrect section of the resource management act to achieve protection of historic suburbs. 

We are still trying to understand the implications of the panel's decision.

It may simply be a matter of wording change back to 'special character',  or it may require the full analysis and plan change that the panel have referred to if the council stand by their present stance. 

We feel we have been let down by council and the panel, and also by the weakening of the Resource Management Act that has watered down protection for heritage.

We will keep you posted.