Objection to 15-storey building at tourist spot

A 15-storey building proposed at Paihia in the Bay of Islands would have a major impact on the town's waterfront, objectors say.

Just before Christmas the council approved a plan for a 91-apartment complex and associated facilities to be built against a bluff on Marsden Rd, across from Te Tii Beach.

What would be the tallest building in Northland far exceeds the council's own transitional revised draft district plan's 10.5-metre building height restriction for Paihia.

Laurie Byers, chairman of the council committee that approved the plan, said the consent could not be seen as creating a precedent because of the unique nature of the site. The development's bluff backdrop meant it would not visually encroach on existing residential or commercial neighbours.

But the Residents and Ratepayers Association disagrees. It is one of a handful of parties given the chance to make submissions during the appeal period.

"We're applying on two or three grounds, but basically it's the scale of the proposal that we object to most," chairwoman Val Cadell said. "It's a non-complying height notwithstanding it's against the bluff. It flies in the face of the council's own rules."

Ms Cadell said the building would be plainly visible from the beach, some distance along the street and neighbouring properties. It would also tower over a children's playground.

"In our view it will have major, not minor, impact," she said.

The association was concerned it effectively had only three weeks over a holiday period to compile its appeal submission. It was also angry the public did not get a chance to have input.

"I'm hoping that out of all of this there's a debate about what is going to happen with development in the Bay of Islands," Ms Cadell said.

There was growing public opinion that more low-rise accommodation could cater to the district's needs, she said. "Development of this nature is going to kill not foster tourism."

Council spokesman Rick McCall said the council had not publicly notified the South Pacific Apartments Ltd plan as it considered it had a suitable amount of information and feedback received during previous, non-complying and unsuccessful proposals for the site.

The appeal period for consents regarding the 15-storey plan closed at midday today.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)