Owners of a Levin property with a power pole in the middle of its driveway suffered a setback in efforts to have the local council fund its removal.
For the second time, Horowhenua District Council officers recommended against paying for the work, estimated to cost about $3500.
Ruby and Gordon Weight sought
money from the council after they changed the driveway of the Bartholomew Rd property they shared with neighbours into a single one which ended with the pole obstructing their entrance.
They said the new driveway was their true legal entrance and the council had an obligation to pay for the pole's removal.
However, environmental and regulatory services manager Tony Thomas said the location of the pole was consistent with the development of the subdivision in 1949.
"Officers do not see any reason to justify existing ratepayers having to pay for that which has been historically acceptable to all parties but which is no longer acceptable to a present owner."
The council could choose to pay some of the cost as a goodwill gesture but that could lead to similar claims, Mr Thomas said.
- HOROWHENUA-KAPITI CHRONICLE (LEVIN)
