Christchurch City Council is defending an upgrade of the Lyttelton township against claims it will harm the port town's unique character.
The council is spending $1.2 million to improve two roads, including upgrading infrastructure and adding cobblestones.
Some local people have say the cobblestones are tacky and risk making Lyttelton look like a suburban shopping mall.
City councillor Claudia Reid says this is a cautious, modest upgrade that follows consultation last year.
She believes it reflects what the community wants.
