(Please also see note on donations below)

Auckland Council is proposing to remove parts of Devonport from the Special Character Area which currently protects heritage houses from demolition and restricts over-development of sites.

To comply with Government intensification legislation, council has to find ways to increase housing throughout Auckland. 

Council has reviewed Special Character Areas and proposed that parts of Cheltenham, Albert Road, King Edward and Queens Parades and Stanley Point should be removed from the protections.

This means that sites could be subdivided into three dwellings, each three storeys high, one metre from residential boundaries. No resource consent would be needed nor would there be any requirement for new houses to be sympathetic with the heritage surroundings.

There would be severe impacts on neighbours’ sunlight, privacy and peace.

Such development would ruin the very qualities Devonport is recognised for - its history, its streets of villas and cottages and the relationship between the village, the houses and the sea.

All the city’s heritage areas are at risk and we support their continued protection under the Special Character Area rules.

Devonport is a unique and highly valued Auckland destination that attracts visitors from around New Zealand and the world. 

Auckland Council must recognise its historic significance by continuing with the Special Character Area rules that will protect it for future generations.

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If you would like to make a donation to Devonport Heritage to help us in our fight to stop this proposal, please go to our website. Please note - the change.org website may ask you to donate to them, after signing the petition. Be aware that this money does not go to Devonport Heritage.