Details sought from R.P.A.

Press, 27 July 1976, Page 6

Details sought from R.P.A.

Dissatisfaction with the Canterbury Regional Planning Authority’s preliminary report about growth in greater Christchurch was expressed by the Paparua County Council’s town planning committee last evening. ! The report outlines subjects to be included in the j authority's indicative plan later this year. It has been described as giving warning of “colossal costs” if something is not done to contain urban sprawl and promote other regional "growth points.” The committee complained that insufficient time had been given for proper consideration of the authority’s plans, and sought an extension period so that staff could prepare reports for the council. Mr E. C. Britnell said that he seriously objected to the

■ fact that only three weeks were available to assimiliate and reach a decision on the authority's report. Complaints were also made iabout the wording of the report, and it was decided to ask the authority for "a simply expressed report stating the various alternatives for growth patterns” as the authority saw it. The report’s ambiguity was illustrated by the confusion arising among committee members, Cr Britnell said. Councillors were also conicerned that local body silence on matters contained in such reports was taken by the authority as consent. According to the committee’s chairman (Mr A. Y. Shujker), the director of plan-; ‘ ning’s attitude was that if he received no comment, the ijlocal authority was deemed Cto have approved. A motion was passed call- 1 jing for the authority to supply the council with a report detailing replies from other local bodies and a sum. mary of their comments. Ch Shuker disagreed with the authority’s reported ■ plans calling for “growth! points” 20 miles or more from the present urban boundary. "Such places as Prebble- j iton, Tai Tapu. West Melton,; • Templeton, and Halswelll ] should be considered,” he: I said.