It has become apparent that nothing can stop the proliferation of helipads across Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf Islands, whether council wants to restrict them (Auckland) or does not (the Hauraki Gulf Islands). If the Mowbray-Williams helipad can be granted consent, then the planning and consenting system is broken and the only remaining option is a plan change to both the Auckland Unitary Plan and the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan. And it needs to be done urgently. Quiet Sky Waiheke fully supports Councillor Mike Lee’s bid to have private/residential helipads made a prohibited activity in those plans and will soon publish more information about how to lobby in support. The proposal will be raised as notices of motion, for councillors to debate and vote on, at the 24 July policy and planning committee meeting.
The following statement and meeting announcement is from Quiet Sky Waitematā:
The recent decision by three independent commissioners to allow private use helicopters as a permitted activity like a car or a bike in AUP residential zones has sent shock waves through the Westmere, Herne Bay, Coxs Bay and Pt Chevalier communities.
People are struggling to comprehend how this decision was made given the significant opposition to the Westmere application and what the implications are for future applications in their suburb. Auckland Council is also surprised and baffled by this extraordinarily permissive decision.
Auckland (and any other city in NZ) would become the only modern city in the world permitting helicopters as of right in a residential area. Other cities like Sydney, New York and Los Angeles have long since banned private use helicopters.
Quiet Sky Waitematā is holding a public meeting at 7.00pm Thursday 10th of July at Hawke Sea Scout Hall, 55 West End Road.
Mike Lee will be discussing his upcoming notice of motion to ban private use helicopters in residential areas at the next Auckland Council Planning Committee meeting on the 24th of July.
This NOM vote is important for anyone who lives in a coastal suburb – Pt Chevalier, Westmere, Coxs Bay, Herne Bay, St Marys Bay, Parnell, Birkenhead, Northcote, Takapuna, Howick, Te Atatū Peninsula, Hobsonville Point, Orewa etc.
We look forward to seeing you at the meeting to discuss how we convince Council that change is long overdue and must happen quickly.
Thank you again for your support. It has been invaluable and hugely appreciated.
Elena Keith
Quiet Sky Waitematā
Web: www.quietsky.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/quietskywaitemata
Sign our petition: https://chng.it/y5LN6FbnNF
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QUIET SKY WAITEMATA INC
06-0145-0789030-00
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