Pegasus Post: November 16, 2023

Thursday November 16 2023 5
Proposed social housing
upgrade in heritage area
• From page 1
The residents met with chief
executive Cate Kearney, tenancy
operations manager Jason Blake,
property general manager Ed
Lesson and Central Ward city
councillor Jake McLellan.
Said Kearney: “ŌCHT is in the
early stages of considering redevelopment
of our ageing Elm
Grove complex, and we have
engaged with tenants and local
residents as part of this process.”
Baiteary said residents appreciated
being part of what
appeared to be a consultation
process.
She sensed at the meeting
a willingness from residents
to support some new social
housing, but “it was clear that
the current strong community
dynamic should be maintained”.
Concerns voiced included
increasing the number of units
from seven to 12, the height of
the buildings as the current heritage
area rule for development
is single storey, and the population
mix.
“The neighbourhood is a
small, friendly and supportive
community which has always
included the pensioners/social
housing as much as anyone
wants to be included. The context
of the Englefield Avonville
heritage area is important to our
community,” said Baiteary.
“Many of the residents have
lived in the area between five to
40 years. It is this stability that
engenders a strong and supportive
community.”
McLellan said he was committed
to social housing and
working with residents.
“We wish to have good-quality
housing go in and to make sure
any redevelopment doesn’t take
away from the character of the
area.”
City council head of planning
and consent John Higgins said
while the units are in the heritage
area, the specific buildings
are not protected.
“Resource consent is required
for new buildings where applications
are assessed against a
number of District Plan provisions
including the residential
design principles. There is also
the Englefield Character Area
Guidelines which applicants are
encouraged to consider when
designing new buildings.”
The guidelines state Englefield
has city-wide significance as an
PLAN: Elm Grove residents
attended a street meeting
over the proposed
redevelopment of the
social housing complex at
No 8-20.
PHOTO: SASHA WATSON
intact residential neighbourhood
of historic importance for
Christchurch, containing some
of the earliest houses in the city.
Other potential redevelopment
concerns residents expressed
were the quality and colour of
materials used, the building
design promoting a positive
social dynamic between tenants
and the street, and the potential
for a demographic imbalance
existing.
McLellan said there wouldn’t
be any progress until residents
had the opportunity to provide
feedback.
Ranger
‘a figure
of mana’
• From page 1
For the last 20-odd years he
could be found at Spencer Park
where he is a ranger project
manager responsible for Spencer,
Seafield, and Coastal parks,
as well as part of Brooklands
Lagoon.
“I’ve loved watching Spencer
Park evolve over the years. There’s
been a lot of change, especially
with the earthquake in there
and we’re still working through
things.
“I simply enjoy the place. People
having picnics, camping or cycling
right through to Bottle Lake.
It’s just great.”
City council head ranger of
coastal and plains Robbie Hewson
said Leiataua is “one of the absolute
most beloved rangers”.
“Steve is a figure of mana. I
looked up to Steve when I first
started on the team, and I still do.
This is one of the most prestigious
awards in the parks space and I
couldn’t think of anyone more
deserving,” he said.
Kōrero mai | Let’s talk
Safer intersections in Shirley
We want to make the intersections at Shirley Road/Hills Road
and Shirley Road/Marshland Road (outside The Palms)
way safer for everyone.
Find out what’s planned and tell us
what you think before 6 December 2023.
letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/safer-shirley