The Kaipātiki Local Board feedback on Plan Change 26
Submissions on Proposed Plan Change 26 to the Unitary Plan, regarding changes to Special Character (heritage) areas, closed on Friday. Below is the Kaipātiki Local Board feedback, prepared by myself and Danielle Grant, under delegation from the Local Board:
The Kaipātiki Local Board objects to proposed Plan Change 26. In particular this feedback relates to:
* D18.6.1 Standards for buildings in the Special Character Areas Overlay - Residential and in the Special Character Areas Overlay – General (with a residential zoning)
* D18.6.1.1 Building Height
* D18.6.1.2 Height in relation to boundary
* D18.6.1.3 Yards.
Reasons for Objection are as follows:
1. The plan change will allow greater building heights and densities in the side and rear of character properties than currently allowed for under the Single House zone. As such, the proposed changes will have detrimental effects on the heritage character of the buildings and it is erroneous to think that the changes will achieve the aim of protecting the character of the area, in fact it will be the opposite.
2. Height to Boundary: The proposed Special Character Area Overlay rule for height in relation to boundary is more permissive than the Single House zone. It defines the envelope based on a 3m vertical height and then a 45 degree incline.
This proposed plan change therefore creates a more bulky and dramatic effect than the Single House zone, which is based on a 2.5m vertical height and then a 45 degree incline. The Special Character Area Overlay area rules should provide additional protection to the zone rather than being more permissive or lenient than a Single House zone.
The outcome of the proposed more lenient rule is that a building can be built higher with greater bulk and visual impact.
3. Rear Yard: In the rear yard, the proposal is to reduce the current 3m boundary to just 1m. This will allow building to occur only 1m from a neighbour’s boundary and will have a significant visual and privacy impact on neighbours.
Relaxing the 3m setback for the rear yard will have a highly detrimental impact in areas of Northcote Point and Birkenhead Point where sections near corner junctions have rear yards adjacent to side yards.
If the proposals go ahead then the Special Character Area Overlay will place properties at a more vulnerable position from those in the Single House zone without the overlay. These properties will be adversely impacted by increasing encroachments into side and rear yards, affecting sunshine and privacy.
The increased encroachment of development to the side and rear of houses increases the size and scale of residential homes in a Special Character Area Overlay area and as such will add visual bulk detracting from the character features of the area.
The proposed plan change will result in the original fronts of heritage houses, and therefore neighbourhoods, being unduly dominated by large rear and side developments.
Such an approach will allow a form of facadism, and dramatically reduce the protection of the character of the area.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
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