John Banks did something right :0

Mr Latimour was reluctant to discuss what he said were complex and important heritage and property rights issues at this stage of the legal process. "If we can't resolve the matter with the council, for example along the lines of what we are currently negotiating, then we will proceed with our appeals to the Environment Court," he said.

Last night Mr Burcher, who lives in Arney Rd, Remuera, said the appeal was based on the freedom of property owners to make their own choice about what they could do with their properties.

"To suddenly come and tell me that my greasy, rattly 100-year-old villa, which faces the wrong way, which has a kitchen facing south, is suddenly a heritage building that the city would be the poorer without - I really struggle with that," he said.

Mr Burcher said the council had "carpet-bombed" the city to solve a problem and based its mandate on consultation with just 0.002 per cent of ratepayers. He objected to the suggestion that the lawyers were threatening to broaden the demolition controls if they did not get their way on residential 2.