Councillors seek control of hole hazards

Press, 31 January 1986, Page 7

Councillors seek control of hole hazards

The Christchurch City Land Surveyor, Mr Kit Iversen, yesterday said that he had exceeded his authority when he demanded the filling of a large water-filled hole on land intended for subdivision between Linwood Avenue and Maces Road. Mr Iversen told the Christchurch City Council’s town planning committee that the hole, on land owned by Mr John Rutherford, had been filled after he went to the site on Wednesday.

Cr Mollie Clark had campaigned against the hole, which she called this week a “death trap.” She and Mr Iversen yesterday sought council support in asking the Municipal Association to seek an amendment to the Local Government Act so city officials had the authority to have open holes filled.

Cr Alex Clark said: "How did Mr Iversen persuade the subdivider to fill the hole if he did not have the legal authority to demand it? Knuckle

power?” Mr Iversen said the subdivider wanted to apply for the subdivision. “I made it clear it could make it very difficult for him,” he said. Because the subdivision had not been formally approved the council had no legal authority over it.

It could write letters, but that took time. “We need to be able to say ‘Fill it in now, not soon, now.’ Otherwise we will have someone hurt or

drowned,” Mr Iversen said.

Cr Clark insisted that the council support changes to the law. The Bromley hole was 30m by 10m by 6m, she said. It was not supervised, fenced or safe. Mr Iversen said holes were a problem “not just on this block.” Council officers needed “teeth” to make them safe. The committee will take the matter to the Municipal Association to seek a change in the law.