High-rise blocks

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33532, 13 May 1974, Page 12

High-rise blocks

Sir, —There are certain areas of Christchurch which have been identified by many as being suitable for more intensive residential development. One of these is the Sumner Esplanade and the district planning scheme has properly taken this into account. Those who oppose the present proposal should recognise that the very qualities they desire to preserve can be best achieved by a

mixed development including some multi-storeyed buildings. Buildings restricted to three storeys only would be a monotonous disaster, and could produce far greater blocking and restriction under the present density requirements. The City Council should think very carefully before it meddles with its own well conceived proposals for this area.—Yours, etc., D. E. DONNITHORNE. May 10, 1974. Sir,—l think that many more people would like to live at Sumner with a View of the sea than can do so with the present arrangement of buildings or with the proposed higher buildings along the front. Surely the logical arrangement for such an area is to build the highest buildings at the back, against the hill, and the lowest along the front — with graded heights -between. —Yours etc., W. G. SUTTON. Waimate, May 9, 1974.

Sir, —As a resident of Sumner for over 40 years, both on the hill and the flat, I signed the petition against the high-rise block, because it panders to the greed of a few, not sharing with the ivhole community. Let those who want elevation build on the hills, where, with proper development, there is room for so many more. I sign my name as the owner of an R 3 property in Sumner.—Yours etc., D. E. JOHNSON. May 10, 1974.