Riccarton motel site to be opposed

Press, 22 February 1978, Page 2

Riccarton motel site to be opposed

The Canterbury Regional Planning Authority at its meeting yesterday resolved to object to the building of a motor hotel, tourist-licensed restaurant, and conference complex at the corner of Riccarton Road and Mona Vale Avenue.

The site, zoned residential C, was objected to on the ground that it represents “yet another attempt to extend commercial uses east of the railway line and beyond the commercial zoning.” The complex plans 61 fully serviced bedroom units. The authority said that it would be an “intense traffic generator” and that its effect on Riccarton Road, the surrounding residential streets, and the railway crossing would be considerable. “Two existing enterprises nearby have a history of continued expansion in spite of inadequate parking and access provisions, and this one could be the same,” the authority said. “The scale of the proposal on this site must seriously undermine the integrity of the zone and of Riccarton Road.” The total area of the site proposed is 4517 sq.m (about one acre 20 perches). The application with the

Riccarton Borough for specified departure had been filed by Jarn Sew Hoy and Murray Charles Stratton in the name of Riccarton Motor Lodge. In other business at the meeting, the authority recommended the filing of an objection to a specified departure for a nursery centre at the south-west corner of Marshland and Preston Roads as “an urban retail commercial use and as such not appropriate to a rural area.” The nursery and garden centre had a' long history leading up to the present application. Early in 1973 a departure application was made for a car-park “in conjunction with the applicant’s existing rights” for the whole property. The authority objected on the grounds of excess traffic and the agricultural potential of the land involved.

In subsequent court action it was established that the applicant did not have existing use rights. An extensive report by the authority’s employment study committee, adopted by the authority, emphasised the problems arising from the continued concentration

of new jobs in Christchurch and consequent shortfalls in other towns. . The report emphasised the need to expand the employment base in areas where new urban development may be proposed and to diversify employment in existing settlements within the area. In the report, the committee noted: “There are substantial economic arguments in favour of confining major urban growth within a relatively narrow corridor north and south-west of Christchurch.” Echoing arguments of several years ago, the report said: “Because of its accessibility to the existing industry and labour force in south-west Christchurch, the junction of the South Island Main Trunk and West Coast railway links at Rolleston is likely to be an attraction for industry and distributive functions.” The authority also accepted with appreciation

and regret the retirement of Mr M. von Tunzelmann, secretary of the authority since 1965. The post has been advertised and re-advertised, and Mr von Tunzelmann has been asked, and has agreed, to remain until a suitable replacement is found.