Development of hills urged

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33934, 29 August 1975, Page 10

Development of hills urged

An extension of the urban fence and development of the Port Hills up to 900 ft was applauded by a meeting of the Heathcote CountyCouncil last evening, when advocated by the County Chairman (Mr J. Somers). Mr Somers said that parts * of the hills should be rezoned residential and land set aside for systematic de-

velopment. if it took 30 years. “It is really the only building area in Christchurch,” he said. “I would estimate 40,000 people living there in 20 years time.” . The member of Parliament for Lyttelton- (Mr T. M. McGuigan) was behind the idea, Mr Somers said. They had spoken about it in Wellington this week. “The Regional Planning Authority must realise that people will go to the Port Hills, whether we like it or

not, and so let’s get them There in the best order possible,” Mr Somers said. It should be decided what | land was best suited for i building, and the rest set [aside for recreational purposes, before any haphazard development took place. It was no good going ahead without an assurance of land, and without being sure that the plans could be carried through. “Who has stopped us so far —are we being stranged by i experts. bureaucrats, or I who?’’ Mr Somers said. Before planning started, the land must be made available and the rezoning finalised. “Who is going to plan for a [myth?” he said.