Apartments, shops for Birkenhead turned down

North Shore resource consent commissioners have turned down a proposal to build 18 apartments and three shops among heritage homes on Birkenhead Pt.

"We are elated it has been stopped because it would be a monstrosity and the site deserves better," said Birkenhead Residents' Association spokesman Warwick Jones.

More than 500 submissions opposed plans for the former service station site on the corner of Hinemoa St and Maritime Tce.

"However, the issue is how did the application get as far as a hearing?" said Mr Jones.

"A lot of ratepayers' money and time has been wasted on the issue when council officers should have nipped it in the bud for not meeting District Plan rules."

The plan by Richard Beca, of Aptus Projects, was originally for a three-storey block with 20 apartments and two shops.

By the time commissioners heard the bid last May, the proposal had been amended to four shops and 18 residential units.

The hearing was adjourned so Aptus could reconsider its plans in light of council officers' final comments.

Last month, Aptus returned with an alternative which, with May's proposal, is rejected by commissioners in their reserved decision. The decision says the proposals "attempt to shoehorn too much development on to the site".

The plan would not integrate well with the neighbourhood or promote the objectives of having a Business 1 spot zone.

However, Aptus argued the building would be near Highbury shopping centre and ferry and other services.

It was aimed at the over-60s market, which was the fastest growing segment of the population. Its urban design consultant said the project would make a "positive contribution to the streetscape, pedestrian amenity and the vitality of the locality".

In the event, the commissioners decided each proposal was contrary to the District Plan, which North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams says is an excellent result for Birkenhead.

Milford Residents' Association is also battling high-rise apartments for Milford Mall.