Milford Plans are over the Top: Down with Up!

The government has it terribly wrong when it suggests that the Milford plan change decision is an example of "costs, delays uncertainty and poor outcomes". The decision was entirely appropriate in reflecting the will of the community. Unfortunately, Auckland Council has slipped a nasty eight storey blade, into the heart of Milford, during the distraction over 17 storeys. Council's soothing tones fail to accept that eight storeys are far too high for Milford and the community objects to that grotesque height as well. Also, lost in the discussion is Council's planned additional staggered heights and densification in the surrounding roads. Milford's experience is a prime example of ‘community beware’ when assessing the implications of the Unitary Plan. Eight storeys are also planned for Northcote, six for Glenfield and Highbury along with neighbouring streets impacted by six and four storey intensification, without any thought of the social impact. I have been told that the Political Working Party decisions were made in apparent illogical and random acts of selection. The density proposals of the Unitary Plan should not be imposed on communities without a comprehensive community impact report so that the true effects can be carefully assessed by the community.