Council counts cost of unconsented work
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A council bungle has left ratepayers to foot a $70,000 bill.
The Ashburton District Council is retrospectively getting consent for upgrade work carried out in 2020 at the Scarness weir located in Mt Harding Stream near Methven.
It follows an abatement notice from Environment Canterbury, issued last year, for the non-consented work.
The initial work was carried out following a health and safety audit of the district stockwater network. To remedy a health and safety issue the structure was altered, but ECan wasn't consulted.
Council staff had a meeting on site with ECan earlier this year to understand the full extent of the issues.
The council has since engaged Beca to assist with the retrospective consenting of the structure.
The consultants have completed a topographical survey upstream and downstream of the site and are developing a consent strategy, concept design, assessment of environmental effects, and consent application.
The application will be lodged by mid-June with the total cost of the work estimated to be around $70,000.
ECan formally advised the council that the compliance date of the abatement notice requires the matter to be addressed by November 20.
The weir is in an area of the stockwater network that forms part of the Pudding Hill Intake, which is currently being investigated for closure by the council, making it potentially redundant in the future.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
-
72.7% We work hard, we deserve a break!
-
16.5% Hmm, maybe?
-
10.8% Yes!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
-
91.4% Yes
-
8.6% No
Loading…
