Institute's Parnell plans cause alarm

The Real Estate Institute has revived controversial plans to knock down its national headquarters and rebuild, raising alarm about likely effects on the neighbourhood.

Parnell residents thought REINZ had ditched its property expansion dreams after seeming to get cold feet over the ambitious plans in 2009.

But a new set of plans has gone to Auckland Council for a three-level mixed-use building at 202 Parnell Rd.

Opponents fear they will be processed non-notified so the community has no say in allowing a dominant new building with apartments.

David Oakhill, team manager of resource consents, said he had the revised application to demolish the existing building and build a new mixed use structure.

"The application varies significantly from the previous resource consent application that was received by the council in August 2009. The proposal involves the construction of a three-storey building, plus one level of basement parking (33 spaces). Vehicular access is via Denby St, with pedestrian access off Parnell Rd.

"The proposed activities consist of retail at ground level, office space at level one and office space or four residential apartments at level two.

"The council has requested further information to be able to undertake a full assessment of the proposal. No notification assessment or final decision has been made at this stage," Mr Oakhill said.

A council spokesperson said the new development was smaller than the 2009 plans, opposed by Parnell parish priest Monsignor Kevin Hackett of the neighbouring historic St John the Baptist Church.

The church with a tiny belltower stands alongside the institute's national headquarters. The two buildings are separated only by Denby St, which runs off Parnell Rd.