BMX track plans off

Press, 12 August 1986, Page 9

BMX track plans off

A proposal for a BMX track at the old Johns Road shingle pit has fallen through because the cycle club has found other facilities. In 1984 the Waimairi District Council granted persniission to the Bishopdale BMX club to build a track and car-park at the pit but the club has since amalgamated with the Hornby BMX Club and uses its facilities.

As a result, an appeal to the Planning Tribunal by several residents has been withdrawn. The appeal, which was to have

resumed yesterday, was initially dismissed last July.

Residents were concerned that the track would create more traffic and. noise, disturbing their quiet rural surroundings. The club’s secretary, Mrs Rose Pouaka, said the club had amalgamated in June after its former track became unsuitable for racing. The club had told the Planning Tribunal that March was file latest it could move to the site, as it was due to put on the South Island finals in November.

"We would have preferred to have our own land because we were a strong chib,” Mrs Pouaka said. She said the new club, Christchurch City, would now be the strongest club in New Zealand.

The 3ha pit area would probably now become available for other proposals of a recreational nature, said the Waimairi assistant planner, Mr Peter Eman.

This could change, as an objection to the present zoning was being heard, he said.