Council to allow work on coastal properties
The Christchurch City Council has unanimously voted to change a policy preventing coastal residents from building on
their land or renovating.
Photo: RNZ / Logan Church
The council's district plan restricts people from building in areas believed to have a flood risk or impacted by coastal
hazards.
A notice of motion was raised by councillor Yani Johanson at a council meeting on Thursday to amend the plan so
residential developments can go ahead if risks to people's safety and property can be mitigated.
Councillor Johanson said not having the clause had cost some residents tens of thousands of dollars.
Even with the motion passing, it would take time for the district plan to be changed, he said.
Three community board members and ward councillor David East are facing disciplinary action after accusing council staff
of deliberately removing a clause from planning rules that allow residents to carry out work.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel, denied staff were responsible.
But at a meeting of 300 residents this week, local community board chairperson, Tim Sintes, said she admitted the clause
had somehow been taken out and she was going to take steps to see that it was re-inserted.
He said she also told the meeting she would hold an inquiry in to why it was removed.
Mr Sintes, who is also one of those facing disciplinary action, said the mayor's promise was a good start.