TOWN PLANNING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3327, 19 December 1917, Page 26

TOWN PLANNING.

Of late we have heard much upon the question of the sub-division of land for residential purposes on town planning lines, so perhaps a brief statement of some of the more important principles and objects to bo derived from a scientific lay-out may be of interest. The ideal residential sub-division should combine all the advantages of the •■ open country —such as sunlight, air circulation, etc. —with the conveniences of the city—viz., electric light, water supply, drainage system, etc. The plan for the sub-division should fit the topography of the land and give due consideration to natural features. Even if the land is relatively level the plan should have interest, good organisation, and design. We should in every instance ©ndeavour to get away from the characteristic- chocker-board plan which is so often inflicted upon us in this country. Tho width and formation of streets should re-

ceivo very careful consideration, being designed to meet the special requirements of the districts which they are to serve, and be judiciously planted with shade trees.' The interests of the real estate % operator, of the prospective owner or user, and of the general public should be harmonised as far as possible. This sub-division of residential land is of the utmost importance to the general public, for their welfare depends to a very largo extent upon right living conditions. In the past property sub-division in this country has been carried out in a most haphazard manner, and the surveyor for the lay-out has seldom given any consideration whatsoever to the general contour of the land. In the average subdivision one visits everything is laid out on straight linos, as for some unaccountable reason surveyors seem to have a dread for curved lines, the result being loss of interest. It should be understood, that the cutting up and developing of property on scientific lines, as mentioned abovo, is a pure business proposition and not an unnecessary squandering of the property owners'-' money. It stands to reason that, prospective owners would be willing to pay more for allotments situated -among more healthful and pleasing surroundings than they would for those laid out in the usual sub-division.