Last few weeks to comment on Heritage Issues and Options Paper

28 February 2006

Those passionate about preserving heritage buildings and the unique character of the city have until Friday, 10 March to comment on the Council Issues and Options Discussion Paper, which discusses the first steps in reviewing heritage provisions in the City Plan.

At the beginning of the month, the Council extended the close-off date for public feedback on this discussion paper from 28 February to 10 March, due to poor response. To date, the Heritage Team has only received 15 submissions.

During the last 10 years, the Council has received feedback from heritage building owners, community and professional groups, and residents’ associations concerned at the loss of heritage buildings in the city. Some say existing City Plan heritage provisions are too onerous while others feel they are too liberal and do not provide enough protection for heritage buildings.

In 2003 the Resource Management Act was amended to include heritage as a matter of national importance – requiring Council to recognise and provide for “the protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development”.

To help the Council develop City Plan provisions that achieve the right balance of protecting Christchurch’s unique heritage resources, while not unnecessarily burdening owners with red tape, the Council is seeking feedback on its Have Your Say website.

Hard copies of the discussion paper are also available for viewing at all Council libraries and Service Centres or can be viewed electronically or downloaded from the http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Christchurch/Heritage/ web page.

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