Height restrictions sought
AN unnamed developer wants assurances neighbouring properties will not block views at a central Oamaru landmark site.
Height restrictions for any future development at the Phoenix Bowling Club and the Oamaru skate park would only rule the area out as a potential future site for an indoor sports stadium, the Waitaki District Council says.
Today, the council will consider whether to approve a covenant for the land between State Highway 1 and the former Crown Flour Mills, also known as Meeks Mill, that would restrict any future building on the site to less than 10m in height and 12m away from the edge of the property.
The requested covenant would allow the owner of Meeks Mill to ‘‘proceed with plans to develop their land’’, council recreation manager Erik van der Spek’s report to the council states.
The owners of the property, which houses Smash Palace, wanted to ensure views west were maintained as they were seeking to develop it.
The building Act required firerated walls and windows subject to how close a neighbouring building might be and ‘‘to maximise the number of windows and reduce the cost of firerated walls’’, the owners were seeking the restrictions.
‘‘In addition, to preserve natural light and views to the west, they request a covenant restricting any future building on the recreation reserve to no more than 10m in height. The current maximum height in the district plan for new buildings is 10m.’’
The land, on which the developer is seeking a covenant, is owned by the Department of Conservation and managed by the council.
Mr van der Spek’s report notes the covenants are unlikely to affect the land’s current recreation activities, ‘‘unless it was to be chosen as the location for a new indoor recreation centre or grandstand facilities’’.
‘‘That outcome is considered to be unlikely and will not substantially restrict future use of the land.’’