Buchanan Report

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30978, 7 February 1966, Page 12

Buchanan Report

Sir, —The City Council, knowing that the present plan had met with massive objection and negligible support, should have directed Professor Buchanan to use his superior skill to prepare another plan. He should have been told that the main objection to the use of Hagley park arises from a trust, and is not based on aesthetic grounds, valid as these may be, and inadequately answered. The meaning and purpose of the trust are understood and respected with increasing significance as the years go by. and do not include motorways. The professor should have been told that there is no “central reserve” in Bealey avenue. Bealey avenue is all street, though trees grow on part of it. The council may remove them. Briefly, one gathers from Professor Buchanan's remarks that he has been essentially misdirected and misinformed, and that his report is consequently of little value.—Yours, etc., R.J.M. February 6. 1966. Sir, —There has been a great deal of discussion recently about proposed new main arteries leading into the city. Many of our problems could be solved by using a little intelligence about our existing roads. Riccarton road provides an example of the irresponsibility of our planners. In the last few years at least two supermarkets and a large garage have opened with access on to it. The latest plan. I believe,, is for a supermarket on Fendalton road. The main roads should be free of any obstructions, and such buildings certainly impede traffic. Riccarton road bears this out, particularly on Fridays. Let us seal up the entrances to these shops from the main road and prevent any new buildings of such a nature bn our main arteries. —Yours, etc.. GRENOUILLE. February 2. 1966.