Howick residents want the council to address a loophole that could ruin their community, reports Debrin Foxcroft
It is an address to pay for and the people who live in Howick's Heritage 7 zone have done just that. They have added extra zeros to their mortgages to ensure the nature of their community is preserved.
But some are now asking what's the point when a loophole in Manukau's district plan allows for a 15-unit home for the aged to be built on a property that now has just one house.
Karin du Plessis has lived in Howick for more than 12 years. She is not allowed to subdivide her property. And because she lives on Mellons Bay Rd in the Heritage 7 zone, she pays higher rates.
She's bemused by the grey area that would allow for extra development in the historical community. ``We came to Howick and we paid a premium price for our property,' she says.
``We understood that we were protected from the intensification that happens in other areas.
``But what we found is that any landowner can build up to 15 units for a rehab centre, home for the aged or hostel without extra resource consent if the developer stays within the building envelope.'
Mrs du Plessis says she knows of one instance where this sort of development is in the planning stages.
``We have addressed the council and we felt we had support but they said they would only address the problem if it mushroomed, but once it's done, it's done.'
Fellow Mellons Bay Rd resident Lisa Drew is also concerned about development that, in her opinion, would warp the personality of the small community around her.
``We all moved in for the nature of the community _ it's what we bought into,' she says.
``I thought I bought into a piece of paradise and I doubled my mortgage for it,' she says.
Real estate agent Paul Judd says people looking for a particular way of living are drawn to the zone.
``It's got its pros and cons because you can't subdivide but, for people who are looking for a unique lifestyle, it is an attractive prospect.'
Mrs Drew says waiting for a questionable development to be completed before reacting to it is a dangerous way to protect the heritage of Howick.
``Once it's a fait accompli, council will have very little say in the use of these multi-dwelling buildings.'
Howick councillor Sharon Stewart is also concerned about the loopholes in the district plan.
``My concerns are that there appears to be a very grey area that allows for ad-hoc development in old Howick.
``It means that a lot of things can go in there that we weren't aware could go in there.'
After concerns were expressed at a recent meeting, the Howick Community Board asked the council to report on what the zone means, and what can be built there. This is expected next month.
A council spokesperson said that no official application for development on Mellons Bay Rd has been lodged.
What do you think? Email: letters@theaucklander.co.nz
Paradise may soon be lost
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