An old 1940’s house in Clyde will be demolished and replaced by six two-storied townhouses, after gaining resource consent last week.

Hamlin Enterprises was granted consent by the Central Otago District Council to subdivide 50 Sunderland Street and 11 Fache Street - some of which is partially contained within the Heritage Precinct.

One submitter spoken to was disappointed to learn the consent had been approved, and felt that commissioners hadn’t listened to his concerns.

He and another submitter were considering appealing the decision, with one saying he would lose much of his sun from the two-storied apartments.

He also believed the developers were going to destroy the look of the village, by building them in the heritage precinct.

The application was considered by councillors Neil Gillespie, Martin McPherson and Ian Cooney.

Planning consultant for the council, Tom McIntyre, recommended the company be granted consent for the multi-unit development, subject to conditions.

Under the District Plan, the erection of any new building or structure within the Heritage Precinct was a discretionary, or restricted, activity.

The panel also considered a heritage impact report by Robin Miller, building surveyor and director of Arrowtown-based architecture and consultancy firm Origin Heritage, who found the subdivision responded well to the council’s heritage precinct guidelines, “and was a compatible addition to the precinct.”

“Having carefully considered the heritage aspects of the application including the relevant District Plan provisions, The panel recognise that Mr Miller is suitably qualified expert, a highly regarded professional in his field and has an in-depth knowledge of the Clyde heritage design guidelines.”

In its decision, the panel said while the proposed built form was larger than neighbouring buildings, they accepted Mr Miller’s findings that the multi-cellular design will sufficiently break up the mass of the buildings.

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