Better Brighton

Have been asking questions as to how the slow road decision became an environment court decision and not a notified Resource Consent (as stated in the current consultation document). Had the following response from a mole at the Environment court.

"Hi Jason The Brighton "slow road" was before the Court last year as the Council needed to revoke its earlier declaration that Seaview Road and Oram Avenue were a pedestrian mall, that revocation was appealable, but the appeal failed.

The case name was "Sue Trayling & others v Christchurch CC". Strictly it's a decision under the Local Government Act and not the RMA so the "notified v. non-notified" distinction probably doesn't apply (unless there are features of the slow road that require additional consents).

If you'd like, I can get a copy of the Court's decision for you. I don't have an electronic copy unfortunately, but can post, drop off or you could pick it up if you'd prefer? Let me know and I can arrange that at least.

As to whether the Environment Court advertises proceedings, the short answer is no. The parties in any matter and the press (amongst other persons who appear on a distribution list) get copies of notices of hearings etc. Otherwise I believe that the Environment Court roster is published from time to time (I think the NZ Law Society website is one place) but the detail is very limited and may change due to workload and priorities from time to time. As far as I'm aware thought there aren't any current matters before the Court in relation to the "slow road".

Sorry I can't be of any more assistance at the mo'. I'll keep an eye out though. Let me know if you have any other queries I might be able to help with... and a beer sometime sounds good, but I wouldn't be expecting you to shout!

Talk again soon. anon. "

amazing what the promise of beer will uncover!!

I am still perplexed as to how an environment court hearing that appeared to be dealing with the revocation of a CCC declaration, became the basis for approving the slowroad design as it stands.

Why has there not still been a Notifiaction or consultation on the bis design/planning issues around this road??

The current 'consultation' offers no more than suggestions on rubbish bin colours and plant species, and due to the fact the work is starting Monday, there is obviously very little scope for change.

When has the issues of .. Number of carparks, shape and location of road, location and relationship to other adjacent amenities and public spaces, etc. .. been notified and/or consulted??

The only mention of consultation on this is again between Retail Consulting Group (out of town consultants on retail malls NOT unique seaside environments .. check out their 80's style crayon sketches in the Revitilisation documents appendix) , a select group on the Community board and of course the unbiased opinion of the local Business Owners/Developers.

From the plans presented Brighton now faces a drab looking slow road with a few token 'surfboard' seats, attempting to give it some context within it's environment.

It will sit nicely with the 'noddy' town lighting/balustrades of the pier .. an unfortunate finish to a fantastic piece of civic amenity.

Can the council/consultants not take aesthetics from the award winning Andrew Barclay designed Library gracing the foreshore. Its features and materiality are fresh and contemporary .. as should be the thinking for modern development of this fantastic beachside community.