Lyttelton couple may have to build elsewhere

4:19 pm on 31 August 2012

A Christchurch resident who spent $80,000 designing a house to replace her earthquake-damaged one has been told she will struggle to get consent because the design does not match the area's historic style.

Ann Stanaway and her husband lived in their historic home in Lyttelton for nearly 30 years before it was demolished due to recent quake damage.

Mrs Stanaway says they have spent money on geotechnical reports, architectural drawings and council fees and can't afford to go back to the drawing board.

She says much of Lyttelton's heritage has been lost to quake damage and the city council's design guidelines for heritage areas need to be changed to allow for unique buildings.

Mrs Stanaway admits the design is quirky, but says it fits with the character of the town.

If the council will not give consent, the couple say they will build their new home in another part of Christchurch.