The Historic Places Trust says Hutt City is putting heritage buildings there under threat.
Hutt City Council has made changes to the city's district plan which will remove heritage protection from all buildings - except those registered with the Trust.
That means some landmarks like the Lighthouse Cinema and Old Petone courthouse will be unprotected.
The Historic Places Trust says Hutt City is taking a backward step.
District Plan subcommittee chair Roger Styles says the council is not obliged under the Resource Management Act to protect all heritage buildings, regardless of their value to the city.
