Tynan understands the need for intensification, but not at the expense of losing the history of Mt Eden. Character Coalition spokeswoman Sally Hughes said the recommendation to drop the pre-1944 demolition control opens the city up to ad hoc development that will destroy the character that makes it unique. Under the plan for intensive housing close to town centres, scores of villas and bungalows near Mt Eden village have been rezoned for townhouses and small-scale apartments. Across Auckland, about 84,000 villas, bungalows and other old properties covered by a pre-1944 demolition control and character status have been whittled down to about 23,000 properties with character status protection. Another resident on the same road, Judy Ashby, also sees the need to build more houses on big sections in a desirable suburb like Mt Eden.

Source: New Zealand Herald August 02, 2016 16:52 UTC