Speaking on behalf of himself and 13 other property owners yesterday, Dr Duncan Adams said the council should assume control of Lyders Rd, a private driveway which runs from Cliffs Rd to Cargill's Castle, stopping just short of Isadore Rd.
The road already served several properties and passed through 2ha of land which was about to be subdivided into 12 residential sections, he said. Seven of the new sections could be accessed from Lyders Rd.
Otherwise, residents would ‘‘have to come off the long route'' via Isadore Rd and Aberdeen Rd.
Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin asked why the subdivision developer did not open up the road and upgrade it.
‘‘Economics,'' Dr Adams replied.
‘‘Well, why should the council take it on?'' Mr Chin asked.
Dr Adams said the cost of the upgrade would be more than covered by the increase in rates the council would gain when the sections were sold.
However, Cr Dave Cull shot that argument down, pointing out the council would receive the rates anyway, if the sections were developed.
