He urged the commissioners to adjourn immediately and seek independent legal advice on whether they should allow Jessen’s submissions. Jessen said the challenge was “outrageous”, “as though he is the only lawyer in the room who can give a strong opinion”. He said he was providing legal advice that supported the views of expert witnesses whose opinions were that the heritage features of the church building would be seriously damaged by the proposed work. The commissioners took a break, but chairman David McMahon said it was not possible to get independent legal advice at short notice. He believed the commissioners had sufficient experience to understand the difference between legal submissions and advocacy, and to halt the hearing entirely would cause an undue delay.
Heritage New Zealand and witnesses for the city council are opposing the plans because they believe there are options that would do less damage to the fabric of the building. Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon, who grew up in Palmerston North and was an All Saints parishioner, said the current layout of the church worked against some basic Christian values. The church should be open and inviting, with a hospitable gathering space at the front.
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Concept designs for enhancements to the front of Palmerston North s All Saints Church. He said the location of the font in a baptistery, a “tomb-like” out-of-the-way space, was out of keeping with theology.