Council to sell part of Montgomery Reserve

Published on 27 January 2014

27 January 2014

Mayor Annette Main today said the Wanganui District Council has decided to continue with marketing part of Montgomery Reserve for sale, but with a reduced area available for development.

“At today's Council meeting, we received a petition from many members of the community voicing their concerns about potential loss of the existing sea views if part of the reserve is sold,” Mayor Main said.

“After hearing from the petitioners’ representatives, the Council decided to change the area of land to be sold to exclude any land above the ridgeline. This will ensure that the existing views are protected and there will be no roof lines above the ridge.

“Our objective in selling part of the reserve is two-fold - to obtain the best price to help reduce Council debt while at the same time ensuring that any development allows the existing views to be retained.

“We heard from coastal scientist, Dr Roger Shand, about the history of that area and the significance of the land formations. We intend to invite Dr Shand to be involved in any discussions of development proposals to ensure they do not compromise the integrity of that land.

“The Council spent considerable time hearing from the petitioners, seeking additional information from Council staff and discussing concerns. It was a clear demonstration of this Council’s willingness to listen to the community’s views and take the time to debate all of the issues before reaching a decision.”

The Council resolved:

That the petition is received and the petitioners thanked.
That marketing activities, including the tender due to close on 4 February 2014, continue.
That any divestment of Montgomery Reserve does not include any land on the upper plateau above the ridgeline.
That the Council authorise the Chief Executive, two appointed Councillors and the Council's Property Group to proceed with the sale of part of Montgomery Reserve with the result being a combination of best price and a development proposal which best meets the Council's other objective of protecting the view shaft.
That Dr Roger Shand be invited to be involved in any discussion.