DoC approves Chateau plans

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 456, 6 October 1992, Page 1

DoC approves Chateau plans

Plans to alter and extendthe Grand Chateau have been approved by the The Conservation Board. The T ongariro/T aupo Conservation Board met on Friday to receive and discuss various propo s als for development within the Tongariro National Park. Executive officer for the Board, Karen Hawke confirmed the Board had

recommended the Department of Conservation decline the application to build an ice skating rink as it was not considered essential to the safety and welfare of visitors to the park. The Board recommended D.o.C. approve a 40 room addition to the Grand Chateau Hotel, and also approve the restaurant development to the

Whakapapa Tavern on the understanding that the carvery at the hotel is to be closed. Kah management wanted to build a 48 room extension to the hotel, replace the Chateau garage with an ice skating rink, extend the Whakapapa Tavern to house a restaurant, upgrade the hotel' s conference facilities, build an indoor swim-

ming pool and cover the tennis courts near the tavern. They also proposed developing the Lady Ferguson cottage in the Whakapapa village into a souvenir and coffee shop. This was approved on the condition that the Thompson and Nunnery buildings be removed. Miss Hawke said the proposal was well re-

ceived as the Board recognised there was a lack of eating places in the village. She said the board were concerned at the need to divert a stream and clear a small patch of bush to make way for the Hotel's addition, but were pleased the traditional style of the building was being kept. The size of the proTurn to page 2

Chateau plans approved

From page 1 posed ice rink and the fact that it is not an essential service were causes for concern. "The intent of the Whakapapa Management Plan released in 1990 is to not allow any development unless it is essential," Miss Hawke said. Sam Clarkson, who presently leases the