A group trying to stop Auckland rich-listers Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams from flying a private helicopter from their multi-million-dollar Westmere property are taking legal action.
Independent hearing commissioners appointed by Auckland Council approved the couple’s controversial resource consent application for a private helipad in June.
In a statement, Quiet Sky Waitematā, who opposed private helicopters in residential Auckland, said they filed an appeal against the decision to the Environment Court on Monday.
Spokesperson Elena Keith said what they considered to be a “radical ruling” went against overwhelming opposition from the public.
“We’re not just doing this for Westmere. We’re doing this for Auckland. If this decision isn’t challenged, the floodgates for helicopters in backyards will open. We simply can’t let this terrible decision stand.
“The Independent Commissioners have decided that helicopters are ‘inherently residential’. Therefore, they say that using a helicopter is a permitted activity — like using a bike or a car. In our opinion, that is absurd.
“The decision could open the door for private helicopter operations in residential Auckland without the need for resource consent, putting the burden on neighbours to prove noise limit breaches. How is that fair?”
She said communities shouldn’t have to endure unnecessary noise and disruption for the benefit of a few individuals.
“Auckland is already well-served by public heliports, all within a 15-minute drive.”
Councillor Mike Lee was expected to bring a Notice of Motion to ban helicopters in residential areas to the council’s Policy and Planning Committee on Thursday, which councillors would vote on.
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