Briscoes boss accepts helicopter restriction decision
Monday, 18 December 2017
A prominent Auckland businessman has given up his fight with Auckland Council over how often he can land a helicopter at his Herne Bay mansion.
Briscoes managing director Rod Duke wants to build a helicopter pad at an upmarket property he's developing with his wife Patricia.
The multi-millionaire found himself in a row with Auckland Council after being told he would only be able to take off and land three times in the space of seven days - instead, he wanted to land a helicopter there up to six times a week.
But a council spokesperson said on Monday that Duke's lawyer had filed a memorandum with the Environment Court on Friday, withdrawing the appeal on the consent condition that limited helicopter flights to three flights per week.
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The Environment Court confirmed on Monday that the appeal had been withdrawn and its file would now be closed, the spokesperson said.
Duke is Managing Director and Deputy Chairman of the Briscoe Group.
His Herne Bay property was rated at $11 million in Auckland Council's latest property valuations.
It overlooks Sentinel Beach in one of Auckland's most sought-after suburbs.
Duke has been contacted for comment.