That advice was that Jessen’s submissions were not a breach of any legal standards or codes. There was no legal barrier to the council engaging a lawyer to present its case and make submissions that went beyond evidence. So long as the church and any other participants had an opportunity to comment on the council’s submissions, standards of fairness and natural justice could be satisfied. The independent lawyers said the submissions clearly advocated for the consents to be turned down, but that did not mean the council as a whole was biased. It was up to the commissioners to judge how much weight they gave those submissions in the course of reaching their decision.
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.