“MINOR SETTLEMENTS SERVE NO USEFUL FUNCTION”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22623, 28 April 1948, Page 4

“MINOR SETTLEMENTS SERVE NO USEFUL FUNCTION”

PLANNERS WOULD ZONE THEM OUT

“SMALL built-up areas are located fairly regularly around the flats and along the main roads. These were originally founded as stopping-places for the traveller. Each one therefore has its own hotel and most have a post-office, school, hall and several houses. Today most of them serve no useful function and should be zoned out.” •

This passage, taken from a preliminary report to the Cook County Council by Mr. D. G. Porter, of the town-plan-ning division of the Ministry of Works, reflects startlingly the attitude of the division towards existing institutions which do not fall within the framework of development as envisaged by its officers.

In another passage, referring to the desirability of regulations covering sub-divisional roading and minimum site areas, the report states that though such a detailed lay-out would be most desirable, it Is clearly impossible, as it would not only require full geological and other surveys, but it would also pre-suppose either unitary ownership by a local body or far more extensive planning powers than exist at present. 100,000 Acres Around Gisborne The area of Cook County covered by the report is regarded as extra-urban, and covers approximately 100,000 acres of the Gisborne flats and the hill lands north-east of Gisborne. The latter have been included to make provision for a new stock route from the East Coast into Gisborne. The main purposes of the scheme arc stated as:— 1. As a supplementary scheme to the Gisborne Borough Council scheme, particularly to prevent further urban spread into the county. 2. To protect the flats from mis-use through scattered urban and industrial development. 3. To co-ordinate the proposals of various State departments concerned with development in the county. 4. To ensure that any further development takes place in accordance with a considered plan. Hawke’s Bay Lands Despoiled Commenting upon the present lay-out of settlement in the extra-urban area, the report says that the Gisborne flats and the Borough of Gisborne itself have not yet been spoiled by haphazard and uncontrolled development. “It is fortunate that the Cook County Council has realised the mistakes of other local authorities in letting development proceed unhindered,” the report continues. "Much of New Zealand’s best land has been mis-used and despoiled, particularly on the outskirts of the larger towns. “The Heretaunga Plains around Hastings and Napier are a case in point. Between Taradale and Napier is to be seen one of the worst cases of ribbon development in the country. The type

of house erected in an endless string along the main roads is sordid and ugly. The countryside is disappearing. It is fortunate that this has not happened in Gisborne, although its beginnings are already visible. A plan at this stage should provide the necessary protection.”

Main Objects of County Planning The main problems covered by the report from Mr. Porter include:— © Determination of the minimum economical farming unit tor intensive cultivation. (The report suggests five acres as the minimum site area.) © The future of small built-up settlements situated round the Gisborne flats. (The report suggests the development of Patutahi and Ormond as areas to be subject to close contral. ‘‘lt is doubtful whether Makataka has any useful function to serve.”) © Sub-divisional reading. (“Clearly impossible as it would pre-suppose either unitary ownership by a local body or far more extensive planning powers than exist.") New Access to Gisborne Proposed © Future of the areodrome. (Extensions contemplated.) © Route of main highway from Napier, and entry to Gisborne (development of Awapuni road recommended © Re-location of railway marshalling yards and track. (Involving the possible removal to line nearer beach). © Establishment of noxious industrial area. (Concentration at Matawhero.) © Awapuni Lagoon reclamation. (No direct recommendation.) @ Waipaoa River deviation. (Involved in decision as to main highway route.) © Stock Routes. (Re-routing to avoid settled areas, with provision for trucking or railing all stock from Matawhero yards to freezing works. © Establishment of seaside resort near mouth of Waipaoa River. (Gisborne Thirty-Thousand Club project strongly recommended.) The report was formally placed before the Cook County Council at its monthly meeting last Thursday. Discussion was held over until May 17, to which date the meeting was adjourned.