Council yesterday released their revised maps for zoning in Auckland under the proposed Unitary Plan, and as indicated, the proposed single house zone has been substantially cut.

Owners who were happy with their single house zoning in the notified plan in September 2013 probably would not have made a formal submission. So now, when faced with a change to mixed suburban/urban, with unlimited density up to 3 storeys, they have no right to appeal and now be part of the process.

This is an issue of lack of natural justice and it seems the only way that residents can now have any say is through their elected councillors.

Come July 2016, when the Hearings Panel releases the final Unitary Plan, only councillors have the ability to accept or reject plan provisions.