Sumner plan opposed

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33538, 20 May 1974, Page 14

Sumner plan opposed

High-rise apartments should be confined to central city areas and not be allowed in the suburbs, especially on sea frontages, Mr H. G. Hay, leader of the Citizens’ Association councillors and the association’s Mayoral candidate, said vesterdav.

Mr Hay had met members of the Sumner Residents’ Association committee on Saturday to learn more of their views of the proposed Marina Towers development.

“I have the utmost sympathy for the strong feelings of so many Sumner residents who feel that the very special village atmosphere of the district should be preserved,” he said.

“Seven-storey apartment buildings along the Esplanade — however well-designed — will not achieve this and, while it is obvious that some early redevelopment in parts of Sumner is desirable, I would personally be disap-1 pointed if this was of a highrise nature.” The Mariner Towers scheme conformed with existing town planning requirements for the area, which raised serious doubts about the possible effect of similar high-rise developments in

other areas of Christchurch such as Merivale, Redcliffs and New Brighton, he said. “I am strongly of the opinion that high-rise apartments should be confined to central city areas and not be allowed in suburbs, and that there should be a threestorey height restriction in suburban areas.

“If this means a change to our District Scheme, then some legal method must be found to carry out such a change with due opportunity for property owners affected to object if they wish,” said Mr Hay. “The people of Sumner clearly don’t want high-rise buildings dominating their environment and I believe the council must take heed of their strong feelings on the matter.

“I was impressed by the wide cross-section of the community which hold these views,” said Mr Hay.

“Perhaps the outcome of the recent controversy will be that a long-term environmental scheme for Sumner may be drawn up — after adequate consultation between the council, the residents, and people specialised in town-planning knowledge — as was envisaged by the recent meeting of the Resident’s Association,” he said.