Boost for Akaroa's French connection

HISTORIC: Akaroa has more historic buildings than any other New Zealand town of its size. Pictured is the Gaiety Theatre.

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Moves to retain Akaroa's distinctive character have been boosted by a study of the town's development, a preservation group says.

The Akaroa historical overview provides background for three Christchurch City Council reports that will determine how best to maintain the town's "distinctive visual character".

A variation to the proposed Banks Peninsula District Plan was being investigated by the council after the Akaroa Civic Trust raised concerns about a lack of protection for the historic area.

There has been concern in Akaroa about some new developments allowed under the current planning rules.

The overview, written by historian John Wilson and heritage landscape architect Louise Beaumont, was released yesterday.

It details change and development in Akaroa over the past 170 years.

Trust secretary Victoria Andrews said it was likely to be the town's most significant study since a streetscape report in 2003.

"That was the first key document and supposedly the first of several, but then the [Banks Peninsula District Council] abolition happened and things were a bit delayed," she said.

"We're a few years away, but I'm very pleased with the steps [the city council] has taken."

Andrews said the problems began in 1997, when the proposed district plan was released two years before the area gained New Zealand Historic Places Trust registration.

"There's always been a gap and it's been difficult for anyone wanting to develop or build because [the plan] is not all that clear.

"For everybody involved, we need to get this resolved."

Council liveable city programme manager Carolyn Ingles said Akaroa had a "distinctive visual character" based on its setting, buildings and open spaces.

The town's 62 registered historic buildings were more than those found in Arrowtown (Central Otago), Russell (Northland) and Lyttelton (Canterbury).

"The council's aim is to ensure that this special historical character is maintained as development of the town proceeds," she said.

The variation to the proposed district plan is expected to be notified next year.

Andrews said the trust was concerned that heritage buildings could be lost.

It was important to retain the "visual continuity", Ingles said.

"If you have a beautiful, compatible frame, you don't take Brasso [metal polish] to it to tidy it up.

"You have to let that sense of place and age be apparent.

"What makes Akaroa special is that you still have that unique sense of place and time.

"It's not all bright and shiny, and it shouldn't be."

- © Fairfax NZ News