Arrowtown building was incorrectly promoted as noncompliant

CIVIS (ODT, 8.9.18) has made a rather flimsy attack on the ‘‘No Leaf Incorporated Society’’ signs in Arrowtown while promoting a noncompliant building in the historic zone as compliant.

To enable the building to be ‘‘subservient’’ to St Patrick’s Church, 4152 cubic metres of material will need to be removed from the site located in a residential area.

The impact of this excavation will be extensive for neighbouring residents.

Because the excavation is only 5.9m from the church, it raises concerns that the earthworks could destabilise it.

The building is described as a community facility with a religious purpose. The church community is ageing and reducing in size.

Within walking distance of the proposed building there are already four adequate community buildings available to the public and a further large facility about to be opened in Jack Reid Park.

The church itself has a problem inside of rising damp which extends on one wall from the floor to the roof and, as we enter the church, there is a notice indicating that earthquake proofing is required.

Surely the focus should initially be on conserving the core building of the Arrowtown Parish?

Mr Brandenburg — your justification for this noncompliant building just does not stack up. Denise Heckler

Arrowtown

CIVIS is absolutely right (ODT, 8.9.18). Arrowtown residents should be delighted that the proposed ‘‘Olive Leaf’’ building is such a beautifully considered, original design, which will only enhance their townscape.

Be thankful you’re not going to have an ugly, black, modernist ‘‘box’’, which is anything but complementary to its surroundings or the adjacent buildings, as is being erected over here in Wanaka.

Mary Gray

Wanaka ..................................

BIBLE READING: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17