Valley also hills worry

Press, 7 August 1976, Page 3

Valley also hills worry

When the North Canterbury Catchment Board yesterday discussed erosion problems on the hills, and particularly at Cashmere Valley, the Chief Soil Conservator (Mr R. D. Dick) said the same conditions prevailed in Bowenvale Valley. “At Bowenvale, there has been an endeavour to build on severely or potentially seriously erodible land,” said Mr Dick. “Because of the depth and nature of the soil, the risk occurs when this hill land is excavated.”

The board’s survey of the hill slopes between Taylor’s Mistake and Hoon Hay Valley was for the guidance of the board and those who wanted to use the land, said the chairman (Dr W. R. Holmes). “The survey was not contrived as, or should be used as, a restraint against any individual. The report does not say there shall not be any development, but shows individuals where development can take place.”

Dr Holmes referred to earlier publicity on the problem with one residential subdivision at Cashmere Valley, and said he was sorry the information had not been used with greater maturity.

For the last six months, the board has been asking the councils concerned to seek its advice before approving land uses, including subdivisions, on the hills.

It was agreed to continue this for another 18 months, Mr H. T. Grigg, chairman of the board’s soil conservation committee, saying that, in general, there had been good co-operation from the councils.