Unrest in Parnell over office block's shadow

St John the Baptist Church in Parnell, across the road from the Real Estate Institute. Photo / Paul Estcourt

A Parnell community representative and a Catholic priest are opposing a development that could overshadow one of the oldest churches in the country.

Jenni Goulding of the Parnell Community Committee is concerned about the Real Estate Institute's proposed new offices and apartments.

Monsignor Kevin Hackett of the 150-year-old St John the Baptist Church said he was unhappy about the plans because a large development across the road could block sunlight, increase traffic and hide the church from those coming up Parnell Rd.

Reinz wants to demolish its national headquarters at 202 Parnell Rd, a site on the other side of Denby St from the church. Plans have been submitted for a three-level office block with apartments, and that follows its abandoned moves in 2009 to build a larger development which raised strong community concern at the time.

Reinz chief executive Helen O'Sullivan said her organisation would obey the rules.

"Reinz looks forward to complying with all of these legal requirements including those regarding what is permitted and the process which must be followed to obtain a consent under regulations.

"We have met with a representative of the church and of the Parnell Community Committee and have heard their views on the proposal. We will consider their feedback and that of the council as it proceeds with its assessment process, and take that into account when deciding on the best way forward with our site," she said.

Jenni Goulding said her organisation had opposed the previous plans because of the scale and design of the development, particularly the height, height to boundary, earthworks, parking, layout, traffic generation and proximity to a residential area.

"I have advised the community that the current proposal is an amendment to the original, notified application," she said.

"... The applicant is attempting to tick more boxes of compliance."