CATHEDRAL CHANGES Council rules ‘don’t apply’

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33513, 19 April 1974, Page 12

CATHEDRAL CHANGES Council rules ‘don’t apply’

The Christchurch Civic Trust says that proposed interior alterations to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament are outside the Christchurch City Council ordinances.

The trust’s chairman (Mr I. G. B. Wilson) says that because the proposals do not involve structural alterations to the building, the ordinances’ provisions do not apply. “Trust members consider that this is a question of

interior furnishing and that it is up to the owners to decide.” he said. “And they have exercised good taste and called in professional advice.” Mr Wilson said the trust was consulted in framing . ordinances designed to pre- , serve the character and structure of buildings. Church authorities had written to the City Council, and if the council considered that the proposals came within its jurisdiction, it: should have consulted thej Christchurch branch of thej Institute of Architects and the Historic Places Trust, Mr j Wilson said. OPINIONS SOUGHT . The Mayor (Mr N. G. Pick-: | ering) said last night that the 'council had already sought the opinions of the Historic Places Trust and the Institute of Architects, and their response had been favour-i able. 1 The matter will be decided at the next meeting of the City Council.