County plan criticised

Press, 10 April 1980, Page 6

County plan criticised

The Heathcote County district scheme lacked appropriate objectives and policies for the Heathcote River and its margins, the county council’s district-scheme-review hearing committee was told last evening. Miss R. Biss, a planner, representing the Minister of Works and Development, said that the Heathcote River provided a natural amenity enjoyed by pedestrians and motorists. It also had value as a wildlife habitat and for recreation. Further consideration should be given to the planning of the surrounding area to ensure that it was preserved. The 6m buffer strip proposed in the district scheme for protecting the river where it was bounded by industrial zones should be extended. The council was empowered to set aside a 20m esplanade reserve if necessary. An appropriate policy relating to stormwater runoff should be included for the industrial zones.

The Ministry of Transport told the committee that' a statement of the management objectives and uses of the river and wetlands was necessary. Mr K. W. Ward, an advisory officer of the Ministry’s maritime policy branch, said the Ministry would find useful some statement of objectives in considering applications for works in river and tidal areas. Complementary planning policies for the entire AvbhHeathcote Estuary were also important. Objectives recommended by. the Ministry for the area included the preset* vation of the area for wildlife, scientific and educational values, and for public recreation. Other submissions heard by the committee last evening related to tree preservation and registration, the protection of amenities, and the preservation of geological features in the county. The hearings will resume this evening.