St John Vianney Retirement Village

St John Vianney retirement village is located in the heart of Ponsonby, just a few doors down from Ponsonby Road.

Originally constructed in 2001, the village was at capacity, and needed to expand to accommodate an increase in retiring priests.

This required the demolition of a large villa (amongst other structures) – never an easy task in a special character zone and requiring all the persuasive powers a planner can muster.

These structures were replaced with seven additional self-contained units, a new communal lounge, kitchen, library and gym, a new parking area and a large landscaped common area.

Despite the challenges of the character zoning, the need to demolish an existing character building, and the overall non-complying activity status of the application, the application was processed on a non-notified basis, with Civitas persuading Council that the project would help to restore and improve the special character and amenity of the area.

What our Clients are Saying

"Iain has provided us with excellent service, his presentations have been accurate and articulate and he has always done what he said he would do."

Father Barry Scannell - Parish Priest, St Mark's Catholic Parish

"Iain McManus is first rate. Should I require planning services in the future Iain would be the only person I would call. I thoroughly recommend Iain to any business needing planning services."

Dave Gibbs - Director, Premiere Exhibitions

"Iain is meticulous and thorough and we have relied on his expertise to guide us through some complicated projects, always with a positive outcome. Iain has a strategic view, is approachable and professional."

Merle Boniface - Chief Operating Officer, Saint Kentigern Trust Board

"Iain was a pleasure to work with and I have no hesitation in recommending him as a highly professional, diligent and capable town planner."

Grant Tucker - Property Investor

"Iain impressed me as someone who knew exactly what he was doing, was accurate in his prediction of outcome, and also accurate in his estimates of timing and cost. I have no hesitation in recommending him to others."

Kelly Quinn - Barrister

“Iain is a highly valued member of the Diocese stable of consultants. Always composed in a public forum, Iain upholds the highest possible standards for his profession.”

Kerry Coleman - General Manager, Catholic Diocese of Auckland

"We have used Iain for nearly 16 years on at least 10 developments and have always found him to be incredibly responsive, accurate and engaging."

Aaron Brown - Operations Manager, Synergy Properties

"I've consulted Iain several times recently and have found him honest, generous and very capable. I'd recommend him to anyone seeking a town planner or planning advice in Auckland."

Keith Hunter - home owner, Herne Bay

"Iain dotted all the 'i's and crossed all the 't's so that the Council had nothing to object to. The whole thing went very smoothly. Highly recommended."

Paul Nola - Ponsonby Cosmetic Medical Centre

"The completed report and general information given was very detailed, accurate and of a very high standard, thanks Iain, job well done."

Don McLean - property owner, Herne Bay

"Iain has been instrumental in our decision-making on a couple of projects now and we are very grateful for the professional advice he offers. We will certainly continue to his services in the future."

Michelle Wobcke - Diamonds on Richmond

"Iain's submission was well thought out and very well written in a concise to the point manner. His work has been nothing short of impressive."

Chris Jacobs - Wawata Estate

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