Wilton Residents' Association

Minutes of the AGM held at 7:30pm, Tuesday 18 October, 2005, Otari Information Centre.

Robert Davies in the chair.

Present

Councillors Andy Foster and Jack Ruben and around 30 residents of Wilton.

Apologies

Davina Routley, Jock Fleming, Colin Smith, Ron & Claire Strain, Sue Locke, Noeline Stoops, Tony Hurst.

Discussion on Wilton Bowling Club proposal

The Wilton Bowling Club is seeking resource consent to build an Indoor Bowling Facility on its number one green. It would cover the green and at its maximum height be about twice the height above the green as the existing clubhouse. The Wilton Residents Association has been sent a copy of the resource consent document.

Athol Swann (Otari Wilton Bush Trust).

• The Otari Wilton Bush Trust is opposing the application.
• The proposal isn't in compliance with the reserves act. As a recreational reserve, this space is for outdoor sport. The proposed facility is converting it to an indoor sport and reducing the amount of outdoor space.
• It will be a large building out of line with the current zoning and surrounding housing.
• In open space A zoning only small buildings are allowed as required for outdoor sports.
• Facility is out of place in natural environment and heritage area.

Susan Waugh (Otari Wilton Environment and Heritage Society) .

• The Otari Wilton Environment and Heritage Society is opposing the application
• The society is a community group set up to preserve the local environment and heritage. It currently has around 60 or 70 members.
• The proposed facility would be out of place in the neighbourhood of the historic Curtis Farmhouse and the Otari Wilton Bush and would break the connection between them.
• There are potential problems with traffic flow particularly in the evening and winter.
• Bowling club may introduce gambling machines to try to increase young membership.

Other comments.

• Who owns the land? Athol: The City Council. Mrs Curtis sold the land to the Council. One of the conditions was that the view to the bush would be maintained.
• Member of the bowling club: Some of the publicity against the proposal is misleading or exaggerated. But it is not clear that the facility would benefit the rank and file membership (as opposed to the top players).
• Councillor Jack Ruben: He thought there was a strong case against the proposal. It is important to present your submission in person.
• Tony Chisholm: Questions who will be in charge. Owned by Wilton but essentially a regional activity?
• Councillor Andy Foster (in response to a question): It couldn't be converted to another purpose apart from recreation.
• Athol Swann: Rules are being bent from the zoning being for outdoor usage.
• Andy Foster: The resource management act is is what is important here - must argue under the provisions of the resource management act.

Elections

General Business

Yellow crested cockatoos. A wild population of these is growing in the Wilton area. They are damaging trees and possibly houses as well as having a very unpleasant call. Probably a regional council responsibility.

Wilton bus route. The Wilton bus goes as far as Surrey Street. Why not go on to the Karori tunnel, say? On reason would be to improve access to Karori Sanctuary. Andy to ask for comment from StageCoach.

Filthy bus. A bus that has been used as a school bus can be filthy if not cleaned before being used for general passengers.

Earthworks. What is the status of the earthworks at the corner of Whitehead Road and Wilton Road? The present work presents a road hazard. (It turns out that these were unauthorised and have been stopped).