Subdivision highlights Ohakune stormwater problem

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 268, 20 December 1988, Page 3

Subdivision highlights Ohakune stormwater problem

A subdivision application from Mr Paul Scarf was finally approved by the Waimarino town planning committee recently, with eleven conditions attached.

The committee discussed at length the problem of a culvert which drains the subdivision area, in Miro Park Ohakune. Earlier, the council - had asked for an engi-

neer's reports on a possible flooding problem of the area b e fore they w o u 1 d make a decision. Committee members discussed whether the council should ask for

a contribution towards the cost of alleviating the problem. Cr Thompson said there was a problem with the whole stream, down to the Mangawhero River near Lee Street. He said holding up the subdivision would not solve the problem. "By allowing the

subdivision we won't know if the problem will be worse, but by disallowing it we won't make the problem go away," said Cr Thompson. Cr Bennett suggested the developer should be asked to re-draw the plans to avoid the forming of sections in low lying areas.

Town planner Ted Fox said a re-drawn subdivision would probably not be viable. He suggested asking for a contribution towards upgrading the drain. Cr Sue asked if council could include a condition to absolve itself of responsibility for possible flooding. Mr Fox answered that council could not d o that but could impose a minimum floor height condition. Floor heights on the affected sections built above the level of the crown of the subdivision road would minimize possible flood damage, he said. Cr Thompson moved the subdivision be ap-

proved with a condition added that prospective purchasers of the affected sections be notified that floor and drain openings be above the level of the

crown of the road, and that a contribution be negotiated towards the upgrading of the storm water drains. The motion was carried