C.U.C. ‘bureaucracy gone mad’—developer

Press, 5 October 1987, Page 5

C.U.C. ‘bureaucracy gone mad’—developer

The Canterbury United Council is "stultifying growth” and is "bureaucracy gone mad,” says a developer whose innovative project the planning authority almost blocked.

Mr Ken Plumstead, developer of the Halswell Mill Craft Centre in Sparks Road, said that the council was being negative and trying to destroy those who tried to help Canterbury. It was “ultraconservative.” Mr Plumstead’s criticism was prompted by the five-year saga leading to planning approval for the craft centre to open later this month.

He said that if the council had been more receptive to his idea in its early

stages he could have saved three years and $50,000. "The only real thorn in the side of this development has been the United Council. They have really blocked me at every turn,” he said. "This park is going to create employment for 15 to 20 people — all brandnew jobs — and it will provide a lot of income for Canterbury.” He believed the centre’s first 12 months would realise as much as $4 million. That would increase as the centre became established. In the end, said Mr Plumstead, the council dropped its objection, but “in bad grace.” The council had acted like "the

great clobbering machine.” He said that during the period of the council’s objection to the scheme he was denied the chance to explain the proposal to councillors. The Paparua County Council gave him support and was behind the project, he said. Mr Plumstead said that the United Council should be more accommodating to bona fide developers. The system had to be changed. Although his project conflicted with the Paparua District Scheme the Paparua County Council was prepared to allow a dispensation. “The Canterbury region has a future in the tourist

and servicing industries — in fact, I believe that could be its only future,” he said. The United Council was against the centre’s focal point — a windmill — and an Incorporated rabbit farm. The centre will have other attractions, including craft exhibitions, horse-riding, and sailing boats. Mr Plumstead hoped that the council would be more receptive to plans to increase Canterbury’s popularity as a tourist destination. Otherwise, developers would take their ideas elsewhere. “Many have done so before because they have been driven out,” he said.