Understanding the Draft Master Plan Process.  Since the Community Board Public Forum meeting on Monday 17, there has been a flurry of activity and conversations are flowing.  A significant number of residents around Lyttelton have been left confused by the process used for the recovery of Lyttelton.

Initial partnership styled discussions between residents and the Lyttelton Mt Herbert Community Board following February 22nd were exemplary.

The Lyttelton community expressed high regard for the five community board members at last week’s meeting, and make no mistake the  conversations flowing since this meeting are not a call of dissatisfaction at the community board, but rather the process and outcomes from initiatives implemented by the Christchurch City Council.

Conflict often comes from confusion.  And confusion reigns in this instance because many residents and business owners are looking to the Christchurch City Council for both a Recovery Plan vision and actions for the future direction of Lyttelton, both short and long term.

Community Board Chairperson, Paula Smith, has sought to clarify some points around the  Lyttelton Master Plan, and an attachment to this broadcast has been submitted so that we can all get a clearer understanding about what is happening and how we can continue to participate in the process.

We work to unravel some of the confusion around the process and terminology used to date:

April 2011: Lyttelton Community Recovery Plan was instigated by the Community Board in April as a way to involve residents in the recovery process for Lyttelton. From the two public meetings held, the feedback was discussed, analysed, and a document outlining Lyttelton’s recovery was presented to CERA and the Christchurch City Council for consideration.

May 2011: Lyttelton Suburban Centres Programme was launched in May by the Christchurch City Council to coordinate planning and assistance to restore the Lyttelton Township as a focal point for the local community.  This process involved meetings on the Grassy and at the Recreation Centre.

July 2011: Proposed Draft Lyttelton Master Plan was a document released through a public meeting toward the end of July.  This document was the result of the meetings held on the Grassy.  In early August this document was released for public feedback.  145 feedback submissions were received.  This document was then reviewed by five local expert residents, along with representatives from the Community Board, Christchurch City Council and the  consultants - Urbanism+.

October 2011: Draft Lyttelton Master Plan is the final “draft” plan for Lyttelton due to be presented to the Christchurch City Council on Thursday 27^th October for consideration.  If the Council decides to approve the draft master plan for community consultation, it will be released for the public to make submissions in mid November.  Christchurch City Council Staff are recommending a three week submission process.

October 2011: CERA Draft Recovery Strategy for Greater Christchurch provides an over  arching direction for the reconstruction, rebuilding and long term recovery for greater Christchurch.  CERA will work in conjunction with regional and territorial authorities to provide a timely and community supported recovery.  Submissions to this initiative close on Sunday 30^th October.