Proposals to extend the Christchurch Casino over the top of Peterborough Street have been rejected.

The Casino company wants to build a restaurant and a function centre to span Peterborough Street to connect with a multi-level carpark across the road in the same street.

After lengthy discussion yesterday the Christchurch City Council’s City Services Committee declined the request to erect an elevated building but suggested that the casino make another application to erect a much smaller building over the street.

The committee also declined to close the road as part of the proposal.

Architect Barry Dacombe of Warren and Mahoney said the building was needed especially to hold charity functions. He said the building to link the casino with the parking building was exciting and interesting.

But the committee chairman, Denis O’Rourke, objected to the proposal as it conflicted with council policy regarding buildings over roadways.

"Such a building would affect neighbours and would degrade the street. It clearly affects the environment," Mr O’Rourke said.

He said the casino was put in the wrong place and should have been in the central business district. Parking was always going to be a problem as was expansion.

"The city council had no input as to where the casino was placed," he said.

"I will oppose the proposal vigorously. I have no problem with an air bridge if it complies with the council policy," he said.

Councillor Ron Wright, who suggested that a smaller building be considered by the architect, said he did not want such a bulky building. "We need the car parking but I think they should look at the size of the building again," he said.

Councillor Graham Condon asked if the function centre to seat 300 could be part of the carpark, and Mr Dacombe said that had been considered.