RIBBON DEVELOPMENT

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 71, Issue 6138, 19 September 1945, Page 4

RIBBON DEVELOPMENT

SUB-DIVISIONAL STANDARDS VIEWS OF SURVEYOR-GENERAL Interesting views and opinions on ribbon development on main highways and on sub-division standards were contained in a letter from the Surveyor-General (Mr R. G. Dick) to the Waipa County Council last Monday. The letter dealt with a proposed sub-division close to the borough of Hamilton. The portions of the letter of general interest read as follows: Ribbon Development on Main Highway “ Apart from the question of sewerage facilities and isolated develop<ment, there is a pressing need to preserve for the use Of the travelling pub,lie the amenities of 'the main highways. The sub-division of land fronting a main highway for residential purposes aggravates the traffic dangers by the addition of vehicular and foot traffic, the parking of vehicles, and the additional road junctions and crossings brought about by internal roading. “ It will be necessary in all future sub-division on main highways, if other circumstances permit, to assure that the sub-dividing owner makes provision either for additional road width for the parking of vehicles or the setting aside of a reservation along the frontage of the main highway with access to a new road at rear of the lots of the sub-divi-sions and the siting of internal road at points of entry on to the main highway that will cause the least disruption and danger to through traffic.

“ The question of the need for restricted sub-divisional development, particularly on the (malin highway running north from Hamilton, has been referred to the Main Highways Board for comment, together with a copy of this letter. Sub-divisional Standards

“It has been the policy of your Council to require the sub-dividing owner to comply with minimum standards of frontage and area that are far- in excess of the requirements of both the Department and the Hamilton borough. It is suggested that where sub-division is being effected within the area that it is anticipated will be absorbed within the Hamilton borough some consideration be given to a reduction of your minimum requirements, particularly in respect to back lots. The minimum standards of the Department are: Front lots: Frontage, 50 feet; area, 32 perches. Back lots: Frontage, 12 feet; area (exclusive of access leg), 40 perches. Not more than three back lots may have frontage by mutual rights over an access leg not more than 20 feet in width. No access leg to be longer’ than 3 chains.

“By adopting these standards for areas near and adjoining the borough of Hamilton, where there is a possibility of their inclusion in a sewerage scheme, considerable capital expenditure will be saved in the future servicing of the area for roading, sewerage, power, and gas. “ The above comments are commended for your Council’s consideration. This Department is desirous of seeking the full co-operation of local authorities in closer development of housing areas in order to assure an economy in development and improved facilities for the housing of the community.”