Objections to Halswell scheme variation

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32459, 20 November 1970, Page 15

Objections to Halswell scheme variation

The location of Baisweil’s commercial and industrial area was the point at issue in objections heard by a committee of the Paparua County Council yesterday. The council has proposed a variation to the Halswell section of its district scheme seeking to zone commercial and. industrial four acres of land on the south-east comer of the intersection of Spark’s Road, Kennedy’s Bush Road, and Halswell Junction Road —opposite the former Halswell county offices. In the district scheme the land is zoned Residential A, Commercial A and Rural A. The proposed variation is to allow its development as a shopping centre and industrial area. There are already some shops on part of the land.

Originally the district scheme provided for a shopping and industrial area on the west side of Halswell Junction Road, near the Halswell Hall. But after hearing objections from residents to this proposal, the council decided the commercial and industrial area should be moved, as outlined in the variation to the scheme. Objections heard Twenty-three objectors and two supporters of the variation were heard yesterday. However, some of the objectors sought detail changes in the proposed variation, and did not oppose the proposed zoning of the four-acre area in principle. The hearing committee comprised Crs J. Y. Pethig (chairman), D. H. Warren, H. W. Bennett, J. A. Coakley and D. P. Graham.

Mr L. McKay sought the retention of residential zoning, J. and J. C. Ede (Mr Z. Maciaszek) objected on the grounds of hardship and conflict with town planning principles. K. and O. M. Carr (Mr M. W. Simes) objected on the grounds that the site was not the most suitable and would cause traffic problems.

Mr J. Naber, Mrs J. Naber, G. Westerink, Mrs E. H. M. Westerink, Mrs J. Stephen, D. H. Stephen, T. B. Woods, Mrs N. Woods. H. M. Woods, and Mrs B. M. Woods all sought the retention of the original scheme with the commercial and industrial area on the west side of Halswell Road. Counter-objection Mr N. C. Lawrence presented a counter-objection. The traffic problem would have been considered, he said if the original plan were reinstated his property would be affected, although he accepted the decision must he for the greatest good. J. N. Hartnell and E. M. Wilde (both represented by Mr R. J. de Goldi), D. T. S. Moorhouse and J. E. Schoeller, all shop-keepers, sought alternations to the proposed parking area and asked that no more shops be provided.

It was contended that excessive shop floor-space was provided in the variation. Much retail trade came from passing traffic and the rerouting of the Akaroa high-

way would bring a marked change in demand, the committee was told. Halswell Furnishings objected on the grounds that the variation would be detrimental to trade. D. J. Patchett (Mr J. H. M. Dawson), supported by the Halswell Improvement Society and opposed by the Christchurch Drainage Board proposed the variation be adopted but with alterations, including a new section of road linking Sparks Road and Kennedy’s Bush Road. The Drainage Board’s coun-ter-objection concerned suggested residential development between the commercial and rural zones as proposed by Mr Patchett. G. A. and S. G. M. McNeur (Mr B. A. Hunt) objected to the variation on the ground that the area was unappropriate, being adjacent to the “Green Belt,” and several good residences would have to be removed. A. I. Hancock, Ltd (Mr A. L. C. Tipping) objected on the ground that extra shops would be detrimental to the company, which owned the existing shops, and had made losses on its investment in several years. It was already difficult to obtain tenants.