Shop Extension Refused

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31085, 14 June 1966, Page 18

Shop Extension Refused

An application by Woolworths (N.Z.), Ltd., to expand the shop on its Riccarton road site was declined by the Riccarton Borough Council last night.

The council was told by the towm-planning committee that plans showed a total floor area, including the existing shop, of 19,000 square feet. This represented 91.2 per cent coverage of the site. Off-street parking for 34 cars could not be provided on the site, and there would be difficulties with a proposed parcels pick-up bay with an exit on the Clarence street no-stopping area. In declining the application in principle in the meantime, as the plans did not comply with the council’s town-plan-ning requirements, the council agreed that coverage of the site should not exceed 75 per cent. If the company bought land adjacent, that could be used solely for off-street parking, the council would reconsider the scheme.

The council also declined a request from the New Zealand Roller Skating Association that land be provided for the erection of a 200 ft by 100 ft sports frail, to be used for roller-skating and other sports.

The works committee reported that the Mayor (Mr E. J. Bradshaw) had said that Government land wanted by the association was not entirely suitable. The council should give serious consideration as to what use should be given to council-owned rear land in Clarence street. Before a decision was made on the skating proposal, the Mayor said, the council should settle priorities. These included the use of the Clarence street land, assistance to the Wharenui

Swimming Club, the removal of the front and completion | of the town hall, a new storey i for the council building, finding more off-street shopping area parking, the redevelop iment of the shopping area, the possible re-siting of the council yard, and assistance to private investors to redevelop decadent areas. Parking.—The engineer (Mr R.. A. E. Upston) reported that it would cost £l3OO to develop privately-owned land behind the shops on the south side of Riccarton road between Clarence street and Rotherham street as a car park. The council agreed to dear and shingle the area as a temporary expedient. Complaints.—lt was reported that the council's solicitors had written to Platts Auto Wreckers, Ltd., pointing out non-compliance with agreement terms, and that nearby residents had signed a petition complaining about the company’s activities. The council decided to have a report prepared for the town-planning committee. Grants Made.—A grant of £25 a year for the next three years for the 1968 Pan-Paci-fic Arts Festival was agreed to. Representation. Support was received from the Waimairi, Heathcote and Paparua County Councils and the Lyttelton Borough Coundl for representation on the Technical Institute Board. The council decided to ask the board to consider the question.

Wheat Crop.—China has a good wheat harvest this year in spite of the spring drought in some parts of the country.