Design code change sought

North Shore City Council wants to change its urban design code so new business buildings will not clash with heritage neighbourhoods.

The council yesterday formed a five-councillor working group in response to criticism that the code is not protecting heritage areas of Devonport, Northcote Pt and Birkenhead.

This month, more than 500 submissions opposed a bid by Aptus Projects to build 18 units and four shops on a former service station site at 83 Hinemoa St, Birkenhead. The council planning officer's report recommended giving resource consent.

The council wants an urgent variation of the code as it applies to business redevelopments in the heritage Residential 3 zone of the District Plan.

Mayor Andrew Williams said it was incredible that residential properties in heritage zones could not even change a door without consent but a single-storey commercial property next door could become a multi-storey business out of keeping with its surroundings.