BUILDINGS ARE ENCROACHING ON THE ROADWAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18890, 15 October 1929, Page 5

BUILDINGS ARE ENCROACHING ON THE ROADWAY.

BRIGHTON COUNCIL DISCUSSES NEED FOR LEGAL PROTECTION

The advisability of taking steps to gain legal protection for buildings, which since their erection have been found to be encroaching on the roadway of the Esplanade at New Brighton and North Beach, was a question dis cussed at a meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council last evening. ‘'There is a mild controversy going on in the borough,” said the Mayor (Mr J. 11. Shaw), who introduced the subject, “regarding the s : te selected for the baths, and in connection with the conveniences and the stadium in the vicinity of the pier. It is true that buildings which have been erected along the eastern side of the Esplanade are encroaching slightly on the roadway as gazetted, and it is possible that some person could come along, and, on an injunction, compel the council to have these buildings removed.” “Something has gone wrong with Christchurch at the present time,” he went on, “for injunctions are being sought on all sorts of questions. To get over this matter, it is necessaij' for the council to take steps to legalise work that has already been done on the Esplanade. Mr D. G. Sullivan, the member for the district, has promised us his support. The stadium and the conveniences near the pier and the Peace Memorial Hall and the Surf Club’s pavilion at North Beach are encroaching on the roadway, according tc the gazette, and these buildings would be in jeopardy if someone comes along fcnd asks u to remove them Mr Shaw moved that the council take steps to have the road reduced to a width of 72ft. “ It only amounts to a reduction on

paper,” he said, “ as the formed roadway at present is less than that width.” MOTION OPPOSED. “In my opinion the council would be making a mistake in deciding to restrict the roadway,” said Mr E. L. Smith. ‘‘ln a few years’ time the road will be found to be. too narrow tor traffic. Theij we will be faced with a position similar to the one presented by the bottle-neck in Cathedral Square to the City Council.” Mr E. A. Lawry said that the carrying out of the proposal to form an overhead carriage way which had been considered, would do away with the difficulty of traffic congestion. “ I am entirely opposed to any reduction of traffic space,” said Mr G. W. Bishop. “ The time is not far distant when the council will have to use some of the space devoted to the gardens at the pier for road pur poses.” Mr F. D. Muirson also spoke against the motion on the grounds that it would bring about traffic congestion ANOTHER ASPECT. INIr E..A. M. Leaver pointed out that a portion of the road came within the boundary of the Rawhiti Domain “ What would the council do,” he asked, “ if the Rawhiti Domain Board decided to break away from the council. and claimed its rights?” “The footpath on the west side of the road is within the reserve,” he said, “and if this is taken away the council would have to construct another on the east side.” He did not think that anybody would move for an injunction against existing buildings, but they might in regard to proposed buildings. “If the policy-of the council is carried out,” said the Mayor, “a marine parade will meet the needs of vehicles, while a separate avenue will be provided for pedestrians. This should meet the difficulty in regard to traffic congestion.” A councillor had stated that no one would move for an injunction gainst existing buildings but if he cook time he would remember that injunctions were being sought against all sorts of buildings in Christchurch. "We have already had one served on

us in connection with the bridge,” he concluded. Mr Smith: When is the council going to form this roadway? Have we got the funds to do it? Is there a proposal before the council? The Mayor: It seems to me that Mr Smith is asking something he should already know. There is a proposal before the council, and the work is being done as the funds permit. After some ftirther discussion, it was decided to hold the matter over pending the exact extent of the encroachment of the buildings on the roadway being ascertained.