In recent days Auckland Council has had two planning decisions go against it.
Yesterday there was extensive media coverage on the decision by the Environment Court to make over 400 building consents no longer current. Following on from the new rules in the Unitary Plan, council had issued consents under one set of rules, in Special Character areas, like Grey Lynn and Ponsonby, but the Court has ruled the Council must also consider the underlying zoning rules as well.
Last week, Panuku, the development arm of Council had it’s application for an extensive retail and apartment proposal at the corner of Dominion Rd and Valley Rd declined by independent commissioners. While there was no opposition to development on the site, all submitters questioned the bulk and design of the proposal, and the commissioners agreed it was not acceptable. They also could see no reason for the demolition of the character Universal Building on Dominion Rd.
Panuku proposed apartment development from Valley Rd