Story perspectives

Auckland Plan Change 120 Cuts 23% Heritage, 4,735 Homes

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Plan Change 120 would cut Auckland’s protected Special Character Areas by 23%, eliminating 4,735 heritage homes.
The council’s Unitary Plan amendment aims to add up to 1.4 million housing units while removing many Special Character Areas that currently cover 3.6% of residential land (14.8 km²) and contain historic timber architecture.
The Character Coalition opposes PC120, urging growth toward Takapuna, Henderson and Manukau instead of the flood-prone city centre where schools are full.

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Story summary

Plan Change 120 would cut Auckland’s protected Special Character Areas by 23%, eliminating 4,735 heritage homes.
The council’s Unitary Plan amendment aims to add up to 1.4 million housing units while removing many Special Character Areas that currently cover 3.6% of residential land (14.8 km²) and contain historic timber architecture.
The Character Coalition opposes PC120, urging growth toward Takapuna, Henderson and Manukau instead of the flood-prone city centre where schools are full.