Chateau plan draws business objections

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 456, 6 October 1992, Page 3

Chateau plan draws business objections

Some Whakapapa businessmen are angry at the Conservation Boards' recent decision to approve Chateau extension plans. At a meeting of the Tongariro Taupo Conservation Board held last Friday, a 40-bedroom large conference room, indoor swimming pool extension to the Chateau and a 120-seat restaurant attached to the Whakapapa Tavern was

approved. The accommodation and conference extension will be built as an additional wing in a similar style to the old building. "I can't see how the Conservation Board can justify this decision." Skotel manager Monika Geister said. "If they needed more eating space they could have put it where one of the new conference rooms is eoing in the ex-

tensions to the main building." Skotel owner John Strevens is not very happy with the decision. "I think this decision lacks foresight and I will be doing my best to get the decision revoked." Chateau Service Station partner and Edge-to-Edge ski hire operator Sam Clarkson said he is disappointed with the Conservation Board.

"I am just disappointed at how little planning has been done. They have not taken into account things like the power supply, extra water consumption and sewerage. "I am just relieved that the skating rink proposal was turned down," said Mr Clarkson. The Grand Chateau had sought permission to

build a skating rink in :the service station building. An application for public ski hire, made | by Skotel for Edge to Edge Ski Hire which operates from Skotel premises, was turned down. "I still wonder at how they can justify a new restaurant and they continue to turn down a ski hire operation," Mr Clarkson said.