Hard call on John Wilson Ocean Dr use

The Dunedin City Council's hearings committee faces a difficult decision, after passionate arguments on both sides about the future use of John Wilson Ocean Dr, committee chairman Cr Colin Weatherall says.

The committee's public hearing on a partial review of the Ocean Beach Domain management plan - which governs the scenic coastal drive - concluded yesterday morning, after hearing from more than 30 speakers since Wednesday.

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Yesterday's session saw a series of submitters again pleading with the committee to keep the road open to motorists, while others reiterated the benefits of keeping the drive vehicle-free.

Marion Poore believed the area - if kept vehicle-free - could become a multipurpose recreational area, with the beach, Chisholm Park Golf Course, playing fields and other facilities all located nearby.

She also believed there was an opportunity for a "win-win" in the area, with vehicle access permitted part-way along the road, and parking provided as well as public transport to the area, she said.

"It's not totally closed off."

Lala Frazer also wanted vehicle restrictions to remain, although bollards could be shifted closer to Lawyers Head.

"You can enjoy that magnificent view from one headland to the other without having to go all that way along to Lawyers Head."

However, those against vehicle restrictions included Joyce Devereux, who said she was "devastated and saddened" by the road's continued closure, which deprived some people - particularly the elderly - of "mystical" ocean views.

She supported a shared development of the area, with vehicle access and a new walkway-cycle path, as well as a security fence at Lawyers Head.

"We have this beautiful ocean right on our Dunedin doorstep and it should be viewed as one of our important assets."

John Gilmore believed, when it came to suicide, the council had acted based on "emotional grounds and dodgy statistics, rather than the wishes of the community".

"The fact remains thousands of people are now deprived of an enormous amount of enjoyment for no good reason."

The Dunedin Ratepayers and Householders Association supported opening up more of the road to vehicles, with a vehicle-free stretch remaining to the top of Lawyers Head, executive committee member Will Grigor said.

However, association chairman Lyndon Weggery went further, again querying the legality of the road's closure to vehicles.

He was also concerned councillors might not publicly declare their position on the debate ahead of local body elections in October.

Cr Weatherall stressed committee members could not express views until deliberations were completed and a report was presented to the council, due to occur on September 27.

- chris.morris@odt.co.nz