Owners of Trinity Church building prosecuted

5 June 2007

Damaging a protected tree and installing a commercial kitchen, bar, and stage area in the old Trinity Church at the corner of Manchester Street and Worcester Boulevard has cost a company almost $7000.

The Christchurch District Court ordered Mr Alan Merton Slade, the director of Solid Stone Limited, to pay a fine of $500 for damage made to the tree, and court and Council costs of $243. Mr Slade was also ordered to pay another fine of $2000 for carrying out alterations to a Group 1 heritage building without a resource consent plus Council enforcement costs of $4000, and court and solicitor costs of $243.

Conviction and sentencing took place last Wednesday after Mr Slade pleaded guilty to the charge, and the court decided that renovation work carried out by the company in the former Trinity Church building constituted an offence under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Council Inspections and Enforcement Unit Manager Gary Lennan says the work was undertaken without the owner having fulfilled his obligations under the Resource Management Act.

“Before carrying out work of this nature on a heritage site, he should have applied for a resource consent and a building consent. These measures are put in place to protect the unique character of our heritage buildings and ensure that future generations can enjoy them,” Mr Lennan says.

“A notable tree at the front of the building was also damaged during the installation of an extractor fan system, when equipment used fell into the tree, but Mr Slade has since taken action to help the recovery of the tree.”

“It's in the public interest that Council pursue legislative breaches such as this and this conviction should serve as a reminder to persons undertaking such work of their responsibilities under the Resource Management Act,” Mr Lennan says.

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