ZONING IN RICCARTON

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27705, 8 July 1955, Page 3

ZONING IN RICCARTON

Sir, —The ratepayers and residents of Whiteleigh avenue are concerned about the destruction of this once beautiful locality. For very many years it has been the most pleasant and bestkept street south of the railway line. Today, for the first 70 yards (as you enter it off Lincoln road) it is nothing but a conglomeration of sand, shingle, concrete piles, and old bricks for sale, with old houses falling to pieces for the want of paint and repair. We understand that all of this property belongs to the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and we are wondering whether to appeal to the Mayor of Riccarton or the president of the association to call a halt to the desecration :and destruction of our street and footpaths, etc., which adds materially to the depreciation of other people’s properties.—Yours, etc., RATEPAYER. July 4, 1955.

[When the Mayor of Riccarton (Mr E. J. Bradshaw) was asked to comment on this letter, he replied: “This complaint concerns a privately-owned property, and local authorities have very limited powers in dealing with a situation such as this. A propertyowner requires no permit to use his land and existing buildings in any way he desires; and it is only where a menace to health arises and the provisions of the Health Act can be invoked, or where a new building permit is applied for, that the local authority has any legal remedy. An inspection shows your correspondent’s complaint to be thoroughly justified, and we will do all we can to bring about an improvement in the position. The matter has been taken up with the tenant and the owner of the land concerned, and I have no doubt that improvements will be made very quickly.”]