BOROUGH OF LOWER HUTT

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 4, 4 July 1940, Page 12

BOROUGH OF LOWER HUTT

GREAT EXPANSION PROPOSED

EXTENSION TO TAITA GORGE

FULL WIDTH OF THE VALLEY

The Lower Hutt Borough Council is seeking legislative authority for a great expansion of the area of the borough, the proposed boundaries being, on the north, a line across the valley at the lower end of Taita Gorge, the hill crest on the east, and, on the west, a line approximately paralleling the Western Hutt Road, taking in the foothills to a depth of about three-quarters of a mile. The proposal is to increase the area of the borough threefold, but special rating areas will be provided over market gardening and similar lands within the wider boundaries. It is proposed that Gear Island should be within the new boundaries. .

"The tremendous growth of the Hutt Valley both residential and industrial in the past fe*r years has made it necessary for the Lower Hutt Borough Council, in order to meet this development, to consider the extension of the borough boundaries so that one local authority will have control of the amenities and the social services required in a modern city," said the Mayor of Lower Hutt, Mr. 3. W. Andrews, in explaining the proposal in its broad lines today. ■ '

"The most important area affected by the council's proposals is the Epuni Hamlet and the land immediately adjoining it extending as far as the Taita Gorge. The northern boundary of the Lower Hutt Borough is very irregular, with a 'V or wedge-shaped boundary cutting right into the heart of the borough," said Mr. Andrews. "The rapid development in the district of recent years has resulted in considerable building in this area, and in certain parts the Lower Hutt Borough has been persuaded to extend its drainage and water supply in order that the residents might enjoy these usual urban amenities. The Housing Department is also developing several large blocks which will require to be fully serviced.

"In suggesting a realignment of boundaries, the Lower Hutt Borough Council has in mind particularly this Epuni area, but the surveys conducted by the Hutt Valley development scheme over the past twelve months have shown that a much wider area will come under intensive development within the next ten years, and much sooner if the Housing Department continues with its proposed programme to erect in this locality over a thousand houses per annum. Consequently, it is considered prudent to include this additional area in the petition, and also certain hill country in order to control watersheds and ensure the necessary open space for a town belt. The proposed boundaries follow as near as possible the natural physical boundaries and traverse the top of the hills to the east, and include all the buildable slopes, on the western hills. The proposed boundary to the north is situated at the natural division of the upper and lower valleys, which- is the southern end of the Taita Gorge. .

"The inclusion of a small portion of the present industrial area where it adjoins the borough industrial area is proposed in order to ensure uniform standards of development throughout.

"Gear Island is included in this petition, for it is thought that this land, entirely surrounded by borough areas, and eminently suited as a playground for their population, should not remain a part of the county from which it is entirely separated.- ,

THE CHIEF CONSIDERATIONS, "It is pointed out that —

1. The railway extension to Taita will facilitate the rapid development of that district, and convert it to an urban area.

2. The Counties Act does not provide the machinery for the administration of an intensely developed area. The necessary powers are given to cities and boroughs under the Municipal Corporations Act.

3. The standard of roading development required in ordinary county areas is not up to that re-* quired in closely:settled districts.

4. This area forms a single drainage area and stormwater drainage and sewerage could be most efficiently managed by one authority.

5. The supply and reticulation of domestic water and the provision of fire-fighting services in the proposed area could be handled more efficiently and effectively under unified control.

6. It is desirable to ensure that subdivision of land in the area, either by State or private enterprise, conforms to a town planning scheme, and that the development is to a good standard.

7. Adequate provision of reserves and recreational facilities, swimming baths, libraries, etc., within the area is essential and the county is not equipped to maintain such amenities.

8.. It i? essential that there should be uniformity of standards, particularly concerning industrial buildings in adjacent areas. 9. There are numerous market gardens within the boundaries proposed, and the council is of the opinion that the interests of the owners of these can and should be protected by their inclusion in a special rating area. PLAN FOR AREA AS A WHOLE.

"The whole area may be said to have a general community of interest, and under the plans prepared by Mr. R. D. H. Hill, the borough town-planning officer, in association with Mr. J. W; Mawson, provision is being made for through traffic roads, shopping centres, public school sites, play fields., and other reserves. \

"It is understood that the Public Works Department is proceeding almost immediately with the extension of the railway to Taita, and this will give adequate transport facilities to this district. .

"By ensuring that the Housing Department and other developers in the area provide roads and services to a high standard, and make provision for the necessary reserves, the ratepayers in the present Lower Hutt area can be assured that they will not have to carry any part of this development expense. .

"If the Lower .Hutt. Borough boundaries are adjusted as proposed, and with the co-operation of all concerned, a fine city will arise within these natural boundaries, developed on sound town-planning lines, thus avoiding as far as possible .many of the problems that might emerge with divided ■ control of this area.

"The petition to his Excellency the Governor-General to obtain the necessary authority for the inclusion of the proposed areas will be lodged at an early date," concluded Mr. Andrews.