Progressive Action For Development of Frankton

Lake County Mail, Issue 37, 18 February 1948, Page 1

Progressive Action For Development of Frankton

EXTRA-URBAN PLANNING SCHEME

Action! A major progressive move was made by the Lake County Council at its meeting last week when it resolved to apply to the Town Planning Board for authority to prepare an Extra-urban Planning Scheme for Frankton township and environs and to extend along the Frankton road, on both sides, to the eastern boundary of the Queenstown Borough.

In such a scheme the following matters would be fully investigated and dealt with for consideration in the final proposals: — ROADS AND STREETS (both public and private) including proposals for the alteration or diversion of any existing roads or streets together with the establishment of new roads and streets and the fixing of building lines. BUILDINGS, with particular reference to their position on allotments and in relation to any road or street or other buildings, their destiny, character, height, harmony in design of facades, LAND.—The reservation of land for recreation grounds, ornamental gar- ; dens, parks, children’s playgrounds and other open spaces. , - PRESERVATION. —The preservation of objects of historical interest or natural beauty. DRAINAGE. —Systems of sewerage, drainage, and sewage disposal,' LIGHTING AND WATER.—Systems of lighting and water supply. GENERAL. —The zoning of areas to

be used exclusively, or principally, for specified purposes or classes of purposes. Provision for amenities and any other aneilliary or consequential works. The fact that land is being subdivided and sections purchased for the purpose of building near the Queenstown Borough boundary is proof enough that the town is extending in that direction, said Mr E. R. Hopwood, county clerk, when interviewed after the meeting. ‘ This, he said, has accentuated the council’s decision to proceed as early as possible with an Extra-urban Planning Scheme. Sealing of the Frankton road, due to start shortly, will undoubtedly aid l'development- of that area for residential purposes, especially in the case of those 'desiring to build houses for holiday occupation. Therefore, it can be seen that the council’s' decision to make application for a scheme is a progressive step towards the ultimate development of the area.

RE-SURVEY OF TOWNSHIP The chief surveyor, Dunedin, has advised the council that the resurvey of Frankton township will be proceeded with immfediately. 1 ■ The field staff of the Lands and Survey Department, Dunedin will carry out the re-survey of that area of the township extending from Kawarau Dam bridge as far as Warwick street, which street is in line with the northern boundary of the hospital.

The fact that the G”own owns about 90 per cent, of the land of the township proper will undoubtedly facilitate the orderly development of the township as it is not anticipated that the disposal of such land will allow building site aggregation. However, this point is largely covered by the Land Sales Act. The Crown Lands Department will no doubt offer sections for public purchase, but some months may elapse before this will materialise. FEATURES OP FRANKTON TOWNSHIP A The plan for resubdivision of the township which has been approved by

the Lake County Council,' envisages a new system of reading to confonhwith the' Contours •of the land in the area andc •: the re-sectionising Of the land bounded by this new roadfng scheme. Special sites have been' Set aside for public l amenities and business Areas'. The township area is ideally situated for such purposes as drainage, water supply and electric power. It is at the junction of two main highways;-has T S’ hospital : Within its boundaries, a golf course and an aerodroiiae likely to be the centre of much flying activity in the near futuer. The township plan provides sporting facilities and playing grounds. Fishermen could wish for no better area than the Kawarau Dam. In fact, it is visualised by the council that the town will develop with great rapidity as soon as the resurvey is completed, said Mr Hopwood. The council had been receiving inquiries for sections for some years. An important point is that the plan for close settlement will allow early and economical provision of amenities. It can be seen that an area so admirably situated will become a national asset from a tourist point of view.