AN UNFAIR POSITION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 41, 19 January 1945, Page 5

AN UNFAIR POSITION

BUILDING PERMIT REFUSED

SEQUEL TO THREE YEAR OLD 1 FIRE "If we are to take the building controller's ruling in this case to apply in a general way tht'n it would not be possible for any of us whose business premises were burnt down to set up again by building new It would! simply mean, that we would be thrown out of business." In this way Cr Canning criticised the ruling of the Building- Controlled in connection with his refustal jto grant a permit to reconstruct the shop belonging to Whakatane Amusements Ltdl which was burnt down, three years ago>. Cr Canning declared that the company was forced to pay heavy rates and rent and it was a most unfair imposition on any business concern. There were already two party walls and a verandah which would save a considerably portion of the.-expense. Notwithstanding this, the Controller persisted in holding up a perfectly legitimate claim. Cr Sullivan said he thought the Council would, have to agree, with the Government's, policy of first of all providing houses for homes when there was such an. overwhelming demand. On the other hand 4 had the shop been only partially destroyed by fire the responsibility would have been upon the Controller to. supply timber for repairs.' In this case the whole building had been destroyed and he thought it only fair that the owner should at least, be able to replace it with a reasonable building which would recoup his outlay in rates,. Cr Shapley said lie was very sympathetic towards the company and thought the Council should support any further move it made to the Government. The Council decided that it would be prepared toi follow this course by lending co-operation and support to any further representations of the Company in this connection.