Report backs Rolleston

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33873, 19 June 1975, Page 18

Report backs Rolleston

‘Parliamentary Reporter

WELLINGTON. June 18. The National Housing Commission favours the principle of new towns such as Rolleston and will support proposals for new towns where they will benefit their population and the regions or nation.

Commenting on new towns in its first annual report to Parliament, tabled today, the (commission said: “The alternative to the new town principle is basically unplanned piecemeal growth and that is not in the national interest.” Referring to Rolleston, the (commission said the Govem'ment’s proposal to establish 'a new town there was recognised as the first substantial attempt to influence the national distribution of population and industrial development.

The proposal would encourage urban development in Canterbury and limit the spread of Christchurch to allow the South Island to regain a larger share ofj natural growth. “Major objectives supported for Rolleston include the development of a new community sufficiently far from Christchurch to enable high-class agricultural soils surrounding that city to be protected from development.” said the commission's! report.

“Also the acquisition of rural land at Rolleston will; prove the opportunity for relatively inexpensive sec- ■ tions to be offered to homeseekers and industrialists and to assist in stabilising land prices.”

The commission said it was; too aware of problems in new ( town development overseas. It would try to ensure that! such mistakes were not re-' peated at Rolleston. “In particular it is import-i

ant to note that large-scale 'development projects, whether satellite new towns, I independent new towns, (planned suburbs or ■ reIdevelopment areas, need to be iplanned with an adequate range of community and (Social facilities,” said the I commission. A range of housing types must be provided, including .pensioner housing.