ERECTION OF FLATS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19805, 18 December 1929, Page 5

ERECTION OF FLATS.

RIGHTS OF ADJOINING OWNERS. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION. Approval of a proposal to erect a six-storey block of flats on the southwestern corner of Montreal and Hereford streets was given by the City Council at its previous meeting. In accordance with notice given, Cr. t. Parlane moved at .last night's meeting however: — "That the resolution passed by the Council on December 2nd authorising the building of a six-storey block of flats at the corner of Hereford and Montreal streets be rescinded." In doing so. Cr. Parlane said that the St. Elmo block of flats would, when erected, be on a corner and would not obscure the sunlight from other property whereas the flats at the corner of Hereford and Montreal streets would _do so. He wanted an expression of opinion from the Council regarding its policy towards the question of flats. Personally, he thought that no flats should be ere'cted of a greater height than three or four storevs. The Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) said that Cr. Parlane's motion was not asking for an expression of policy. It was a motion asking for the rescinding of the previous motion. "Someone might move an amendment," remarked Cr. Parlane. Cr. F. R. Cooke said that it was wrong to compare Christehurch with a city like Wellington, because conditions in the two cities were quite dissimilar, Wellington being cramped for building space. The low death-rate of Christehurch showed conclusively that the open spaces of the City were conducive to good health. It would be unfair to owners of existing properties to allow high blocks of flats to be erected beside them. The Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) said that the notice of motion was too late, as it should have been given immediately after the last meeting. As it was, notice had already been given to the people concerned that they could go ahead with the scheme. Cr. E. R. McCombs said that no permission should ever be given for the erection of such buildings until time was allowed for nearby residents to consider the matter and make objections if they had any to make. Cr. A. E. Armstrong asked Councillors to contemplate the erection of a sixstorey concerte building on an eighth of an acre such as was proposed. It was not a just proposition from the point of view of those who possessed property adjoining the site in question. Cr. W. Williamson moved as an amendment that the question be referred back to the Town Planning Committee. The Mayor said that in the opinion of the Town Clerk (Mr J. S. Neville) the City Council would be liable for heavy damages if it interfered with, the position at the present juncture. The amendment was seconded by Cr. J. Parlane. The Mayor stated that the amendment would mean the matter being held up till February 3rd, the date of the next Council meeting. Cr. J. A. Flesher ex2Jiessed the opinion that the Council, having given its word concerning the erection of the flats, could not now go back on its undertaking. Cr. Parlane agreeing to withdraw his motion, the amendment was put to the meeting and carried.