Appeal to Ombudsman

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 19, 9 October 1984, Page 1

Appeal to Ombudsman

A long running saga involving the Ohakune Borough Council and local resident, Ian Heappey has been referred to Ombudsman George Lakingfor help to resolve the issue. Mr Heappey first made an application in March 1983 to move a previously occupied dwelling from Tay Street, Ohakune to a section, opposite Dr Perera's surgery in Goldfinch Street, which currently houses a large pile of so called 'construction material' aptly titled 'Maison Rat\ That application was turned down by the Council and his appeal was also subsequently declined. An appeal was made to the Planning Tribunal in

August last year which they dismissed. Ohakune Borough Council maintained throughout that Mr Heappey would not receive their 'go-ahead' until such time as he was able to provide plans of the building as it related to its new site. This Mr Heappey did in March of this year to the Council which then ruled that the plans were still inadequate for it to obtain a clear view of exactly what Mr Heappey intended to do with the building. Last week, Mr Heappey told the Bulletin that he had taken the only course open to him, that of referring the matter to the Ombudsman. In the meantime, he has

received permission from the Waimarino County Council to move Ihe house from Tay Street to a section he now owns in Rangataua. He plans to sell the section in Goldfinch Street apparently to an interested out of town buyer. Should the Ombudsman rule in his favour, Mr Heappey will then endeavour to recover the costs incurred thus far. Town Planner, Ted Fox presented a report to the Ohakune Borough Council at its last meeting, outlining the Council's stand on the issue. This report received full approval at the meeting and was then sent to the Ombudsman.