Reservations on stop banks

Press, 11 May 1979, Page 4

Reservations on stop banks

The Christchurch Drainage Board’s proposed stopbanks along the Heathcote River would have to be designated in the City Council’s district scheme, the council’s townplanning committee said yes-

terday. The council’s planning and parks officers have reservations about the need for stopbanks in conjunction with the Woolston Cut flood relief channel.

It was suggested that the need for stopbanks might not be proved until the cut itself had been tested under flood conditions.

The council may oppose the stopbanking. A decision would be made after weighing the environmental effects against the benefits of improved drainage and flood protection.

The director of parks and recreation (Mr H. G. Gilpin) has said that stopbanks of the heights and grades proposed would destroy views of the river for motprists, walkers and residents.

Many trees along the riverbank would have to be removed. “A judgment must be made as to whether it is acceptable to permit periodic surface flooding of the roadway for the sake of retaining the present visual character,” Mr Gilpin said.