Prestons applauds decision to defer Plan Change 30 decision

April 1, 2011

Developers of the proposed new eco-friendly village of Prestons, on the northern outskirts of Christchurch, believe the City Council has made a very sensible decision in deferring their Plan Change 30 application.

Prestons Road Ltd has applied to the Council for a zoning change for its 203-hectare block of land, bounded by Mairehau Rd to the south and lower Styx Rd to the north and bisected by Prestons Rd. It seeks to change the zoning from Rural to Living G.

Roger Davidson, a director of Prestons Road Ltd, said that the recent earthquakes have changed the face of Christchurch forever.

“It is important we get the right decision rather than have a decision made in haste. We are in a new era and as we look to the future, all options must be investigated. To this end, we believe Prestons ticks all the boxes,” he said.

Prestons Road Ltd undertook a detailed geotechnical investigation of its site in 2008, which indicated a low susceptibility to liquefaction.

“We reviewed the area after both earthquakes and found no liquefaction or lateral spreading or any other seismically associated hazards, which confirmed our earlier investigations. This is a big plus for the site.”

Davidson said the fact that the land had a low susceptibility to liquefaction was only one advantage.

“We are close to the city centre, there is only one owner and we are well resourced. We have been planning for Prestons for several years and could basically start the next day, if we are given the green light.”

Prestons Road Ltd is a joint venture including Foodstuffs (South Island) Ltd, Ngai Tahu Properties and CDL Land New Zealand Ltd.

“Prestons is mindful of the damage caused in the eastern suburbs and would like the opportunity to provide an option for these people to stay near their family communities and schools.

“Many of these homeowners are uncertain of what to do in regard to their properties. They want to stay in the east, but they are not sure about the land around where they live. Prestons could be their answer,” he said.

Prestons Road Ltd is looking forward to working with the Council over the next three months to ensure that the final decision is the correct decision for the people of the eastern suburbs and Christchurch.

ENDS

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