Experts fear heritage loss

Ponsonby News has talked a lot about loss of amenity values under the new Unitary Plan but heritage experts are very concerned about the loss of heritage buildings from the inner city.

Heritage expert Allan Matson, who is also an independent candidate for the Waitemata Local Board, agrees. He says, “Grey Lynn has one of the finest collections of colonial timber houses in the world. The Unitary Plan has largely failed to provide adequate protection to prevent the loss of collective heritage value of streets in that suburb.”

Matson adds, “There is a need for council to properly identify our built heritage, providing incentives for the custodians of that heritage to maintain it for our collective benefit today and into the future." We must take these concerns seriously, and listen to experts like Matson and Burgess, to prevent wholesale demolition of heritage homes right on our doorstep.

The Unitary Plan may be a step in the right direction but the authors did not get everything right. We must be vigilant, and not allow council to ruin our community. Ask candidates for office for their policies on these crucial issues. (JOHN ELLIOTT)