Moteliers oppose plait

Press, 11 July 1980, Page 4

Moteliers oppose plait

Proposed extensions to a Blenheim Road motel would seriously affect the patronage of all other motels in the area, a ■ Waimairj County Council planninghearing heard yesterday. Tourist traffic on Blenheim Road was insufficient to justify any ihore motels at present, Mr D. Butler said. As proprietor of the Classique Motel, he was objecting to a conditional use application to extend Amber Park Motels, at 302 Blenheim Road. The hearing was before Cr J Calvert (chairman), and Crs F. Chisholm, M. E. Murray, and H. M. Tait. Decision was reserved. The hearing had been re-

convened: after, a committee ruling that the extensions sought by the applicant were motel units in terms of the Waimairi County district scheme., i

Two .'alternative proposals were put ,to the committee; one a single-storey complex of 18 units or a two-storey complex of 22 units. Objections were made by two moteliers and Inns of Canterbury, Ltd, owner of the Blenheim Road Motor Inn.

Motel patronage had declined seribusly in the last two years, said Mr Butler. While he was not asking the council to regulate business competition, he wanted it to “bear in mind that times

have greatly changed in the last couple of years.” The" assistant county planner (Mr R. W. Higgins) said the site was suitable for the riiotel extensions. He recommended permission be gran-ted-subject to building plans being modified ,to meet bylaw and traffic requirements. The council’s . traffic engineer (Mr ;P. L. Atkinson) also had ho objection to extra Arnber Park units provided car-parking and access conditions were met.

Two local residents made written objections to the hearing, both of which would be satisfied with a rearrangement of the motel’s access on to Blenheim Road.