Residents unhappy at timing for league game

Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Eden Park Neighbours' Association is unhappy about a "secret" resource consent that it says gives rugby league fans more time to drink alcohol before Friday's rugby league test between the Kiwis and Kangaroos at Eden Park and and will result in them trailing past homes later than normal.

Association president Mark Donnelly said the neighbours were extremely disappointed to find out last week that the council had passed a secret, non-notified consent variation to allow for a 9.45pm end to the test. The usualy finishing time is 9.30pm.

He said the real finish time would be closer to 10pm, which would mean children in the area not getting to sleep before 10.30pm because of the noise from fans and transport clearing later than normal.

The 8pm start would allow more time for league fans to pre-load on alcohol, which, he said, could lead to serious crowd control issues.

In emails to council chief executive Doug McKay, Mr Donnelly criticised the "once over lightly analysis" of the consent application done by consultant planner Brooke Dales.

"The consent becomes meaningless if it can be changed on a whim for supposed 'minor' changes ... in our view these effects are not minor and council has erred in not publicly notifying this variation," Mr Donnelly said.

In a response to the Herald, the council quoted Mr McKay's response to Mr Donnelly saying the effects of the later finishing time were deemed less than minor by Mr Dales and the independent planner who approved the application, Leigh McGregor.

Mr Dales attracted controversy for recommending demolition of a 130-year-old cottage in Freemans Bay. He also recommended the demolition of three Spanish mission-style houses in St Heliers last year.

After a review of the Paget St case, Mr Dales was dumped from doing any more heritage work for the council.