Objections to Paparua plan

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34146, 6 May 1976, Page 9

Objections to Paparua plan

The Canterbury Regional Planning Authority has objected to the proposed change No. 4 to the Paparua County District Scheme. Objections now total 460, among them being ones from the North Canterbury Catchment Board, and the Minister of Works and Development (Mr W. L. Young).

At its meeting on Tuesday the authority said the proposed change was generally designed to protect the rural areas of the county and with amendments to the predominant uses this aim could very well be achieved.

A report to the meeting said that as the problem of sprawl was faced in all the rural areas of the county — rural general, rural A 'and rural B zones — it would be in the public interest to ensure uniformity in predominant uses for all three zones. The proposals by the county include different types .of farming and factory farm-

ing to be prohibited on class I soils. Houses could be built on titles, but the present subdivisional areas would be increased from the present 20 acres to 300 acres for class II land, 150 acres for irrigated land, and 100 acres for class I land. Present holders .of subdivisions smaller than the proposed minimums would be entitled to one building permit each. The authority recommends that dwellings should be allowed only on sites which are economic farming units, the reconstruction or replacement or alteration of existing dwellings should not be permitted, and stricter controls be made on factory farming which would include compulsory landscaping and screening.

The authority also recommended in its objection that no permits should be given for dwellings with a frontage on to the Summit Road. Predominant uses would be intensive and extensive farming, factory farming, stud farms, racing stables and training establishments, and scenic reserves.