TOWN-PLANNING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 41, 11 May 1927, Page 9

TOWN-PLANNING

DEVONPORT’S LEAD CONFERENCE SUGGESTED GREATER AUCKLAND Devonport Borough Council, at a special meeting to-day, at which Mr. R. B. Hammond, Director of Town Planning, was present, gave Auckland local bodies a distinct lead. The council decided in favour of the preparation of a comprehensive regional scheme covering the Greater Auckland area, in which Devonport’s position as a component part should be defined. A conference of local bodies, which will be held about the middle of July, was also suggested. From this gathering it was desired a special committee should prepare a basic scheme in terms of the Town Planning Act. Pending the calling of the conference, however, no town planning scheme will be considered by Devonport. Councillors showed a keen desire that adjoining municipalities should co-operate in this scheme. It was recognised that Devonport alone could not carry into effect town-planning proposals for the North Shore. An earnest desire for co-operation was evident. KEY TO SITUATION It was‘also recognised that the site of the North Shore Bridge must play an important part in any town-plan-ning development for that side of the harbour. It was considered the crux of the whole question. The suggestion was put forward by Mr. Hammond that the council should take advantage of its powers under the Act, and invite the co-operation of its neighbours. “There must necessarily be a great saving if the local bodies on this side of the harbour are united,” he said. In reply to a question, the director said he had no power, however, to force the local bodies to meet in conference. TRANS-HARBOUR BRIDGE The Mayor (Mr. E. Aldridge): The key of the whole situation is the transharbour bridge. “That is so,” replied Mr. Hammond. “From the bridge all arterial routes to feed the district must proceed.” Broad principles could first be considered, said Mr. Hammond in reply to a query, and then the respective engineers could put their heads together.

That the Auckland Harbour Board should be represented at such a conference also met with his approval. Mr. Hammond was prevailed upon to promise that he would emphasise the importance of this suggested conference when he met other local bodies during his present* stay in Auckland. The conference will probably take place in Auckland. About the middle of July was suggested by the director as a suitable date.