Water connection requests denied

Two residents requesting new water supply connections to their properties have had their applications denied by the Dunedin City Council.

Applications for two out-of-zone water connections were discussed during a council meeting this week.

One of the property owners of 16 Friends Hill Rd, Wingatui, John Nelson, was at the public forum to speak to his request.

His property does not qualify for ordinary water supply as it is located next to, but outside, the boundary area defined in the council’s 2011 water bylaw.

Mr Nelson said his bed and breakfast business would benefit from a reticulated water supply, as it was a unique property contributing to the economic development of the city, and would not set a precedent for other properties.

He said he would be happy to cover any relevant infrastructure-related costs.

A council staff report had recommended the request be declined, because allowing it would not meet the council's strategic direction, risked setting a precedent and was not technically feasible or commercially beneficial.

The second property owner requesting an out-of-zone water connection for a property at 64 Scroggs Hill Rd, Brighton, also had their request denied, for the same reasons.

In both cases councillors, except Crs Doug Hall, Carmen Houlahan and Mike Lord, voted against allowing the connections.

The council policy is that services will be provided only for existing residential properties which are in zones that have access to reticulated water.

Since 2011, the council has approved eight out of 15 extraordinary water connection requests.