Many of you will no doubt be receiving emails from Auckland Council regarding Plan Change 120.

An Independent Hearings Panel is now dealing with the many thousands of submissions they have received into the latest intensification proposal for Auckland.

The PC 120 Secretariat will be asking if you want to attend things like case management meetings, mediation and expert conferencing.

Devonport Heritage is answering these on behalf of the many locals who are opposed to the changes for Devonport.

On 8 December we will attend a mediation meeting to discuss the changes to the Special Character Area which will see 240 Devonport homes lose their heritage protections and 84 be zoned Mixed Housing Suburban.

The full scale hearings are scheduled to start early next year.

We have written to the Panel requesting an extension of the hearings timetable. We said it is entirely unpractical and unfair that submitters have been asked to read the council evidence that is released on 11 Dec and then to file our evidence by 14 January.

We said it was highly unfair that submitters should be expected to work over the customary Christmas holiday break.

We will keep you informed about the hearings schedule.