The Rawene Avenue property where the helipad will be built. Photo: RNZ/Maia Ingoe
A group that opposed a controversial helipad at a private home in Auckland says granting the application sets a worrying precedent.
Entrepreneur Anna Mowbray and former All Black Ali Williams will be allowed a helicopter pad at their Westmere home after their resource consent was approved by council-appointed commissioners.
After weeks of deliberation, the commissioners' decision released on Monday stated flights would be limited to no more than two per day and 10 per month.
Quiet Sky Waitematā which opposed the application said it was not the outcome they were hoping for.
Its spokesperson Elena Keith told Morning Report the decision completely disregarded the impacts it would have on the neighbourhood and the local wildlife.
"It really is particularly concerning with this decision because essentially they're saying if you can meet the noise requirements you can have a helicopter in your backyard," she said.
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.
In its decision, the panel said it was satisfied the couple restricting flights to daylight hours and sticking to a specified flight path avoiding residential areas would mean minimal disturbance.
"We find that there is nothing untoward, unacceptable, or significantly out-of-character with helicopter noise in an urban residential environment.
"What is more important in any proposal to undertake helicopter landings and take-offs in that environment is the extent/volume of that noise."
The couple would also be required to get an Avifauna Monitoring Plan from a council-approved ornithologist to monitor disruption to the Meola Reef and nearby bird roost.
According to Auckland Council, out of 1397 written submissions made on the application, a majority - 1227, or 87 percent - opposed the helipad on Rawene Avenue.
One-hundred and eight were supportive, and 12 were neutral.
Meanwhile locals from a neighbouring suburb, represented by the Herne Bay Residents Association believe Auckland Council misled it over the use of helicopters.
Co-chairperson Don Mathieson said they understood from council that helicopters were not permitted, but the unitary plan says otherwise.
"Helicopters were judged to be a 'restricted discretionary activity' under the unitary plan and not a 'not permitted activity' as the council had always told us and stated," he said.
Auckland Council has been approached for comment.
Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams along with their lawyer Chris Simmons have also been approached for comment.
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