Planning jurisdiction doubt

Press, 24 July 1984, Page 9

Planning jurisdiction doubt

Before a Planning Tribunal hearing continues concerning plans to widen parts of Madras Street and Barbadoes Street, the tribunal will have to decide if it has the jurisdiction to hear the case. Seven objections concerning Ministry of Works and Development plans to widen the streets by five metres have been received by the tribunal. •, Among the objectors are

the Community of the Sacred Name, the Latimer Hostel, the North-East Inner City Neighbourhood Group, T.M. Forest and others, Te Whanau Trust, the Church Properties Trustees, and a second objection by the Community of the Sacred Name. Mr Peter Dhyrberg appeared for several of the appellants. Mr Brian Rowell, for the Ministry of Works and De-

velopment, said at a Planning Tribunal hearing yesterday that the seven appeals should be dismissed because the tribunal had no jurisdiction over them. It was argued by Mr Rowell that the appeals were made on the basis of the Christchurch City Council plan which had now been abandoned by the Ministry of Works and Development. Rowell agreed with

the Planning Tribunal’s chairman, Judge Skelton, that the council had not taken proper steps to abdicate its financial responsibility to the roads nor had the Ministry of Works and Development taken legal steps to assume financial responsibility. Judge Skelton reserved decision, which will be given in writing tomorrow- |T