TOWN PLAN FOR ALL WELLINGTON

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 237, 4 July 1944, Page 4

TOWN PLAN FOR ALL WELLINGTON

Architects’ Deputation MAYOR SYMPATHETIC TO PROPOSAL

Attending at the suggestion of the mayor, Mr. Appleton, a deputation from the New Zealand Institute of Architects (Wellington branch) yesterday placed before the Wellington City Council-its views concerning the adoption of a town plan- and zoning scheme for the whole of Wellington. Messi’s. W. E. Lavelle, W. J. McKeon and J. I. King comprised the deputation. Mr. Lavelle said that in 18 months it would he 20 years since legislation required local bodies to prepare town plan and zoning schemes by 1930. Up till now he understood that only four had complied. He knew tho Wellington City Council had done a great deal of work on such a scheme, but it was in draft form and not having forma] approval was still unofficial. The city engineer was endeavouring to apply the principles of a town plan and zoning, but he doubted if he was empowered to do this till the council had formally adopted a scheme. Building had been at a standstill during the war. but it was on the verge of .resuscitation. Sites were being sought for many commercial and industrial buildings. but those interested were confronted with the difficulty of ascertaining if they could construct the type of building they wanted on prospective sites. They might find out unofficially, but that was very unsatisfactory. The council should adopt and publicize a zoning scheme so that those interested could know where to buy to suit their requirements. The branch had been approached by the Town Planning Institute to join in representations concerning the civic centre, but as several rears ago three of its members had been engaged by the eouneil to prepare a scheme, it would nut the branch in a delicate nosition to take part in what might be construed as criticism. He felt the question of a civic centre should be dealt with in a broader aspect. The adoption of a complete town njan for the entire city would determine the position of the civic centre It was a golden opportunity for the council to go down in history as the one who adopted a proper town plan and zoning scheme for Wellington. . Cr. M. Fraser: Are you advocating a' complete scheme for the whole of Wellington or would von be satisfied to take it in parts?—We are here to advocate the production and adoption of an official town plan aud zoning scheme'' for the whole city area. The whole or nothing?—Yes.

Thanking the deputation. Mr. Appleton said he was most sympathetic and knew it was time something was done. A special housing committee had been set up and he honed to see an early conference of all interested parties to get down to a basis. The council wanted support because once it adopted a scheme it would start treadin” on someone's ooms.