Multi-millionaire couple granted approval for private helipad
After weeks of deliberation, three independent hearing commissioners appointed by Auckland Council have approved the couple's controversial resource consent application — with some concessions.
The commissioners' decision released on Monday, June 30, stated flights would be limited to no more than two per day and 10 per month.
"The use of a helicopter for property access in the Auckland Unitary Plan residential zones is a permitted activity, being an activity that is inherently associated with residential land use, provided it can comply with any applicable standards.
"We find that the noise effects that would be generated by helicopter take-offs and landings would not be unreasonable and would not diminish the amenity values of this residential zone to any material degree.
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"In particular, disturbance to sleep during normal sleeping hours will be avoided and the hours of operation and number of flights are limited: the estimated period of audibility of helicopter noise by neighbours would be around 3 minutes and 20 seconds per flight or 33 minutes per month (assuming 10 flights were conducted)."
According to the Auckland Council, out of 1397 written submissions made on the application, a majority — 1227, or 87% — opposed the helipad on Rawene Ave. One-hundred and eight were supportive, and 12 were neutral.
During a five-day public hearing at Auckland Town Hall in May, the panel commissioners heard expert evidence from the couple's legal counsel and the group Quiet Sky Waitematā as well as submissions from members of the public, including several direct neighbours, opposing and supporting the application.
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