Group talks of injunction over car park

Five Nelson city councillors fighting the Montgomery Square car park redevelopment plans say there's growing community support for a High Court injunction.

Councillors Ian Barker, Gail Collingwood, Mike Cotton, Aldo Miccio and Graeme Thomas are calling for a special meeting of the council to halt work on the $1.2 million revamp.

The plan has courted controversy since it was revealed it would cause the loss of more car parks than originally envisaged.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Barker said they were concerned the project was "significantly different" to proposals approved during the annual plan process.

It was understood the car park land was acquired with implied undertakings, assurances and covenants that it was being bought for car parking, Mr Barker said.

"Any change of use will be seen as a massive breach of goodwill with the business community. We have deep concerns that the land could be reclaimed by members of the original land owner families if the land is no longer used for the purpose intended and for which it was designated accordingly."

Mr Barker said there was growing community support for a High Court injunction based on those issues but he was unsure who was likely to lead such action.

Mr Barker was delivering the notice calling for a special meeting of council to chief executive Keith Marshall this morning.

It was yet to be determined when the meeting could be held but it should be "as soon as possible to ensure any works or designs are not wasted", Mr Barker said.

To support their call for a special meeting of the council, the councillors have also moved a notice of motion to revoke parts of any resolutions which approved alterations to the Montgomery car park.

"The councillors do not oppose reasonable enhancement or a minor reduction in the number of parks but are concerned to ensure there is no major loss of parking and that in future proper involvement of the community and particularly elected members is always a priority," he said.

The square's car park is also the site of the Nelson Saturday Market.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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