Harewood Factory Plan Opposed

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31152, 31 August 1966, Page 17

Harewood Factory Plan Opposed

Neighbourhood residents, upset at the possibility of a clothing factoiy being built at 551 Harewood road, will petition the Waimairi County Council and express more opposition in evidence to be given when the council hears objections.

At its meeting on August 18, the council approved an

application by Manchester Holdings, Ltd., for advertising for objections to a conditional use being granted in a residential A zone, and set condi-

tions under which it would allow the factory to be built on a section 100 ft deep with a 30ft frontage on Harewood road.

The proposed site is behind the shops on Trafford street at its intersection with Harewood road. Residents say that if the section must be used for other than a house, it would be suitable for more shops which will be needed to serve growing housing development.

Mr W. Thornton said that he knew of 30 nearby residents, selected at random, who would be prepared to sign a petition of protest. He was sure there would be many more of the same mind. “Most of these people have built homes, or have bought home sections in the belief that there will be no industry in the neighbourhood,” he said. “If the council wants in-

t dustrial development, why not n use Wairakei road sites?

“We are afraid that if one factory is allowed, others might follow. The residents round here don’t want industry in their midst.”

The council’s Harewood riding member. Cr J. D. Ashby, said he met three or four of the residents, and had sympathised with their views.

But, he said, he still had an open mind. It was desirable Ito have some forms of indus- ' try, which would help the riding obtain rates revenue. He wanted to have more informajtion for his guidance when the issue again came before ; the council. The county chairman (Mr

O. C. Mitchell) said that provided the Health Department approved, there could be no objection. The council would consider any objections at a public hearing. Among the conditions approved by the council if the application is granted is the use by the factory of chemical closets, which must be removed when the district is connected to the sewer.