Council updates  |  1 Nov 2023

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Here are the key decisions from the Wednesday 1 November Council meeting.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Independent Review 

Today Christchurch City Councillors received the independent review into the response and recovery from the wastewater treatment plant, as well as the draft improvement plan.

The review was commissioned to look into the community response and communication with the community during and after the fire. It addressed what went well, what could have been done better, and how the Council can ensure responses to future significant events are improved.

Councillors also approved recommendations to formally apologise for the response not considering and responding early enough to the impact that the fire and its aftermath would have on the wellbeing of residents.

There has also been a commitment to work collaboratively with the affected communities, key partners and the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board to co-develop a future relationship plan.

Linwood bus stops

Changes to 13 bus stops in Linwood, including the installation of 10 new shelters have had the green light.

The work was approved by Councillors for Woodham Road, Tuam Street, St Asaph Street, Hereford Street and Stanmore Road as part of the Climate Emergency Response Fund Transport Choices.

Upgrades will include new bus stops, line markings, seats, improved lighting, shelters, footpaths and kerbs.

Cruising and Prohibited Times on Roads Bylaw

Sixteen new roads will be added to the Prohibited Times on Roads Register after the Council approved the proposed Cruising and Prohibited Times on Roads Bylaw 2023. 

The bylaw will replace the current Cruising and Prohibited Times on Roads Bylaw 2014 and comes into effect on 15 November 2023.

The bylaw regulates two activities related to antisocial road user behaviour – cruising and prohibited times on roads – and complements other enforcement powers that the police have. 

The Prohibited Times on Roads Register lists roads where vehicle access at night is limited, to prevent antisocial vehicle activities. The following roads have been added to the Register:

  • Establishment Drive, Depot Street, Headquarters Place, Quadrant Drive, Aruhe Road and Mania Road (Hornby South)
  • part of Branston Street (Hornby) – section from Halswell Junction Road to Boston Avenue
  • Weaver Place (Sockburn)
  • Watts Road (Sockburn)
  • part of Pound Road (Yaldhurst) – the branch east of the main alignment
  • Syd Bradley Road (Yaldhurst) – Russley Road to Ron Guthrey Road
  • Aviation Drive (Yaldhurst)
  • Jet Place (Harewood)
  • Lakes Way, Outlook Place, Lakeside Place (Harewood)

Part of Blakes Road (Belfast) will be removed from the Prohibited Times on Roads Register. No changes were proposed to the Register of Roads on which Cruising is Prohibited.

Plan Change 4 Short-term accommodation

The Council has formally approved changes to the District Plan on Plan Change 4 – Short Term Accommodation.

The plan change is aimed at managing the benefits and impacts arising from the increasing use of properties for short-term accommodation e.g. Airbnb. It sets rules on visitor accommodation in the different zones of the city and under what circumstances it’s allowed without consent.

Following public consultation, the Council approved the plan change in March 2022. Airbnb subsequently lodged an appeal to the Environment Court. Mediation was carried out between interested parties with the Environment Court releasing its decision on the final District Plan rules in  July.