Review for four-storey Orewa limit

The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board put forward the limit in its area plan. Photo / Supplied

A controversial decision to cap Orewa and Browns Bay apartment living heights at four storeys is up for review during debate of Auckland Council's new planning rule book.

The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board put forward the limit in its area plan.

However, the council's draft Unitary Plan proposes heights of up to six storeys in the seaside centres, with adjacent terrace housing and apartment areas at four storeys.

This prospect became brighter last week when councillors voted to accept the board's area plan - barring the recommended height limit.

That decision will wait for the public feedback on the draft Unitary Plan which closes on May 31.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse said the cap was inconsistent with the direction of the Unitary Plan for the region and the matter should be settled in that process.

"We feel that with the size and importance of Orewa in Auckland we need to have a really good look 30 years ahead and ask, has the whole community been consulted?"

Seven councillors thought otherwise and voted to accept all the board's recommendations.

"I will be telling people to send in their views on the Unitary Plan," said a disappointed board deputy chairman David Cooper.

"There is no need to go to six storeys because our plan satisfied all the growth that's needed - within three to four storey buildings."