Only a handful of proposed sub-divisions around Christchurch have in-depth seismic reports.
Several sub-divisions have been given the go ahead under a regional rezoning process called Plan Change 1 that has been fast-tracked by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.
A report commissioned by the Royal Commission into the Canterbury earthquakes reveals that few historical (circa pre-2007) sub-division consents contained reports about liquefaction risk.
The report is available on the city council’s web site under the latest meetings agenda.
Equally significant, only a handful of seismic reports have been conducted for the latest post-quake sub-divisions fast-tracked under Plan Change 1.
Ngai Tahu’s Prestons sub division is one of the few to have a recent seismic report, which reported little liquefaction.
The council report does not state how the situation will addressed, although presumably the seismic health of sites will be probed when more specific sub-division and building consents are sought.
However at least one of the rezoning decisions (Canterbury Golf’s at Spencerville) may require revisiting because it is sited close to a river and on swampy land.
Earlier engineering advice on some previously ratified sub divisions largely dismissed the liquefaction risk.
Comments and questions
You mean to say that, despite much liquefaction having occurred, reports are not mandatory.
That is disgusting. The CHCH City Council has a bad history on approving subdivisions that were created on drained swamps - and I mean in recent years
Most of the subdivisions in the bexley, Parklands New Brighton areas were created on what was swamp land.
Gerry Brownlee needs to step in and stop this nonsense or the taxpayer will be up for billions again sometime in the near future.
Another reason Marryatt needs to go in my opinion and one would hope that the Government is starting to see it that way as well.
Gerry has the balls to sort it rather than Nick Smith who has turned out to be a full on Pussy.
Where is the link to the CCC report Chris? Your reference is vague...
it's easy Mollum, just go to CCC web site, meetings agendas minutes, and follow your nose, or try http://www1.ccc.govt.nz/council/proceedings/2012/february/cnclcover9th/18.responseroyalcommissionreportpastmanagementeqrisk.pdf
Head up to Hanmer Springs where flat serviced property (and schools etc) are all there.
I am a professional engieer, and consider the lack of suitable soil reports to be negligent and irresponsible.
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