Fears Hukarere hostel at Eskdale could prove fatal

CHRIS GARDNER
Hukarere Girls' College plan to more than double its roll over the next five years could lead to a death on the Eskdale railway, says New Zealand's Railways Corporation, Ontrack. The Te Aute Trust Board has applied for resource consent from the Hastings District Council to permanently establish an education facility and associated hotel for up to 170 boarding students and staff at 17 Shaw Road. If granted the school will be able to increase the roll from 120 to 300 students by 2010.
In a submission to the council, which will hold a hearing next Thursday, Aaron Hudson, Resource Management Act adviser for Ontrack, objected to the application on the grounds of safety.
"We believe that any unauthorised or illegal crossing of the railway, increases the likelihood of pedestrians being hit by approaching railway vehicles," he said.
"We also consider that this risk is increased, given that students will be boarded at the site."
Ontrack is also concerned that the use of Eskdale Railway Yard will increase railway noise near the school. "Future activities may include marshalling of railway wagons and loading and unloading of freight. Any resulting noise impacts on the school would be intensified following the proposed development of the school adjacent to the railway land. Ontrack wishes to protect its ability to enjoy the future use of its land for railway operations," Mr Hudson said.
The Shaw Road level crossing, which allows access to the school, needed formalising by way of a deed of covenant. Nigel Cook, whose land borders the school, objected to an increase in the roll.
"We disagree with the proposed development and do not wish the school to expand its student roll," he said.
"We bought the property because of its rural setting. We do not wish to have additional people occupying land adjacent to our property.
"The levels of noise generated by 300 students and additional traffic movements on Shaw Road will be unacceptable for a rural setting."
He claimed a traffic assessment had failed to take into consideration the extra traffic resulting from additional pupils and their parents.
Brian Yule, of the Eskdale War Memorial Church, and Jillian and Len Morley and Garth Cooper, of Napier, have all lodged submissions with the council asking consent to be granted.
Environmental planner Simon Hill is recommending the application be approved, on condition that a 1.8m high fence be erected on the college's southern boundary.