Last Thursday representatives from the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre, Lyttelton Community Association, Lyttelton Harbour Business Association and Project Lyttelton gave a presentation to the Christchurch City Council to highlight residents concerns over the development of the Draft Lyttelton Master Plan.

The delegation aimed to bring four main points to the Council’s attention:

Point One:    Engage in a Partnership Process

The Lyttelton community is looking for a partnership process where we do things together. This would be a completely different way of working together.  Key things for success would be to trust one another and work as a team.  Information would need to flow freely and openly.  No one would feel excluded from the  process because everyone would have a chance to connect with the process if they desired. Then together we’ll all know the issues and resources available so that we can prioritise together what should be done. We should end up with clearly deliverable outcomes. This is a win-win for both sides.

Point Two: Focus on Recovery Priorities

Priority needs to be given to business recovery; getting people back in their homes; and repairing infrastructure.  We seek to expedite the recovery, and assist the communication  process between relevant parties, giving positive impetus to the recovery of Lyttelton's business district and the wider community.  Design guidelines are of paramount importance and urged in terms of an efficient, sustainable economic recovery, and an aesthetic rebuild to maintain visitor attraction to Lyttelton.  Existing parking rules replaced; no requirement for on-site parking and no parking contributions. No requirement for setbacks; no setback from the footpath to be permitted.  Flexibility in the regulatory regime with a common sense  approach to problem solving.

Point Three: Let the People Speak

So that a new path to recovery is carved.  We ask that:  Consultation period is extended to four weeks; Hard copies of the Draft Lyttelton Master Plan to be readily available; Posters in local businesses and community groups notifying residents of the Plan; Fliers in residents letter boxes; Half page advertisements in the Bay Harbour News; Coastal Mail and Akaroa News; "Drop in Road Show” with enlarged maps and text; Focused seminars breaking the Master Plan down for greater clarification; Consider using public space to display information; Revised Master Plan version is brought back to the community prior being adopted by Council; Request that submissions be heard by individuals across the wider community.

Point Four: Return of the Inner Harbour

This is a complex issue involving the Lyttelton Port Company, CCC, ECAN, Land Transport and the landowners.  Many things need to be done in Lyttelton with varying degrees of urgency and importance.  We endorse the need to deal with urgent matters first. Getting businesses going is urgent.  Getting access to the waterfront is important but striking it off or deferring it unreasonably because it is not urgent is not acceptable.   Stop-gap measures proposed will use funds which could be saved for the final solution, and that they will deliver little benefit.  There is also the risk that any temporary measure will be regarded as a permanent solution.

To view a copy of the deputation made to the Christchurch City Council, by this collective of Community Groups, you can download it here.