28 June, 2024

Parking plan means ‘visual pollution’ – heritage group

Heritage campaigners are raising the alarm over the proposed installation of paid-parking machines on the Devonport waterfront.
Responding to an Auckland Transport (AT) call for feedback on plans to introduce parking charges of $2 an hour on Queens Pde and most of King Edward Pde, Devonport Heritage has voiced alarm at the visual intrusion on a heritage waterfront precinct.
In a newsletter to supporters headed “Hands off our parades!”, chair Margot McRae said the proposal will mean Queens Pde and King Edward Pde will each have five machines along them as well as numerous signs about the parking charges.
“The pay machines and signs will have a hugely detrimental impact on these superb promenades which at present are almost completely free of such intrusions,” she said.
King Edward Pde in particular was a popular walking route for visitors.
“We believe this is a form of visual pollution that will permanently clutter the waterfront and is completely unacceptable in an area of such high heritage value.”
She urged supporters to go online (at haveyoursay.at.govt/destination-devonport) to oppose the proposal.
McRae also took aim at Housing Minister Chris Bishop’s plan to allow the building of granny flats on residential sites across the country without resource consent.
“Knowing Chris Bishop’s disregard for heritage we have no confidence he will respect the Special Character rules that have been in place in Devonport for 30 years,” she said. “It may yet again be a case of central government overriding the democratic process of local councils and ignoring environmental and heritage concerns.”
She suggested supporters make a submission on the proposal (at mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/grannyflats) before the 12 August deadline.

Locals turn out to hear AT on parking goals
Community members turned out in good numbers for parking-consultation sessions at the Devonport Library last week.
Librarian Jicca Smith said 45 people attended the lunchtime session where Auckland Transport staff answered questions on Wednesday 19 June, with similar numbers turning up last Sunday afternoon.
The consultation over extending the waterfront area covered by parking charges and introducing resident parking zones closes on 5 July. Feedback will be collated and reported back to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board for input before AT makes decisions, with a view to implementing changes later this year.