17 AUGUST 2012

Section 124 notices placed on Lucas Lane properties

Section 124 notices have today (17 August) been placed on six properties in Lucas Lane where residents have self evacuated for the last three nights.

Christchurch City Council Regulation and Democracy Services General Manager Peter Mitchell says with the recent heavy and significant water run-off there is a risk of landslip from the slope behind the houses.

"Our geotechnical staff have been monitoring the site for the last few days and have recommended the placement of section 124 notices because of the life risk posed by the cliff."

He says the review of aerial photographs indicates the presence of a historic slip on the site. "Ground investigations are to be undertaken to confirm this slip and to better understand the mechanism of this slip."

Mr Mitchell says this testing has been delayed until next week because of the weather.

"Until this investigation work has been completed and there is a better understanding of the mechanism of the slip, the Council will not be in a position to review the section 124 notices.

"At this stage, these notices are expected to remain until October when CERA is expected to announce the zoning decisions for these properties which are currently zoned white."

He says the residents were advised of the placement of the section 124 notices at a meeting earlier this morning where welfare and financial support services were on site to provide assistance to residents where necessary.

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