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Auckland Council is investigating the construction of an unconsented seawall in Lews Bay, on the Whangateau Harbour.
The timber seawall is being built to replace a deteriorating rock wall, but residents have raised concerns that it is being built on the foreshore rather than on the property, and without the required consents.
In August, Council warned coastal property owners not to address coastal erosion by taking matters into their own hands.
The warning came after a Beachlands property owner carried out substantial preventative erosion work without building and resource consents, landing them a fine of more than $41,000.
At the time, Council team leader investigations David Pawson said Council understood that protecting properties from erosion was important, but asked homeowners to work with Council and apply and gain consent before starting any work.
A Council spokesperson says an investigation is underway to determine whether or not a consent was required for the Lews Bay seawall.
“The investigation needs to take its course before any decision can be made on the legality of the construction,” the spokesperson said.
Coastal property owners are reminded that under the RMA, the Auckland Unitary Plan contains rules relating to activities on land and in the coastal marine area, which includes the foreshore.
There are general rules restricting the deposition of material in the coastal marine area unless resource consent is obtained for that as a restricted discretionary activity.
