City development

Press, 8 September 1989, Page 8

City development

Sir,—We, the neighbours of John Egden and his Gloucester Tower, are dismayed at “The Press” article (September 2) where we are accused of asking the City Council to behave unethically. We believe the developer acted unethically in disregarding Appendix D and keeping his actions secret from us. Somehow, the facts of this case have been lost. Our position is supported by the Civic and Historic Places Trust, Department of Conservation, the majority of architects; town planners and people who care about our city. Many people ? are probably unaware that in certain residential areas they have only limited protection against unsympathetic and predatory construction. They also stand to lose a unique block of Christchurch heritage — 14 beautiful Victorian houses valued by

both Christchurch citizens and tourists alike. Is a short-term developer’s gain worth the city’s long-term loss? — Yours, etc., PENNY OWEN, HELEN CROWDER. September 7,1989. (1) Letters submitted for printing in this column must not exceed 150 words. They should be written in ink or preferably typed on one side of the paper. Ample space must be left in the margins and between lines fpr sub-editing marks. (2) Letters written over pen-names or initials will not ordinarily be considered for publication. A legible signature and full postal address — not a P.O. Box number — are essential. (3) The correspondent must say whether the letter has been or is to be submitted elsewhere. The Editor does not undertake to acknowledge, hold, return or enter into correspondence on any letter not accepted for publication. (4) Address letters to the Editor, “The Press,” Private Bag, Christchurch.