An Environment Court judge has cleared the way for the demolition of three art deco houses in the Auckland suburb of St Heliers.
The 1930s Mission-style buildings on Turua Street are due to be knocked down to make way for a business and retail centre, but opponents say it will ruin the character of the village.
The Save Our St Heliers Society asked the court to stop the demolition so it could have more time to find out if the houses had heritage status.
But Judge Laurie Newhook says getting rid of the houses would not have an adverse effect on the environment of St Heliers.
Judge Newhook says the demolition has already been delayed a month and residents could have tried to get heritage status for the buildings earlier.
The judge acknowledged that his decision would come as a great disappointment to the society.
Members of the group plan to be at the houses on Thursday evening in anticipation of the demolition.
