Residents wishing to speak to their submissions attended the Clutha District Council hearing yesterday, and provided feedback on the draft Milton reserve management plan.
Although a majority of the 191 submissions favoured removal of the cabins and a restoration of the park’s green space to its prior condition, some said they were in favour of the change.
Four cabins have been installed by the council on about 15% of the park’s green space, as part of an expansion of its campground.
Milton resident and builder Vince Bransgrove said his fellow residents were unduly negative about the development, referring to the town’s highway entry sign slogan.
"Perhaps we should rename the ‘Town of Opportunity’ the town of negativity. To get anything done in this country, you’re always up against negative people.
"These [cabins] are flash, and only take up about 10% of the grassed area. The [campground] caretaker told me nobody uses the green space anyway.
"This has always been a camping ground, and this is the next phase for people to stay, self-contained, overnight or longer term. There’s room for these, and for all 10 [planned] units. It’s great for the town."
However, fellow resident Ray Powell, who has repeatedly called for the council to review the placement of the cabins on the park’s green space, did not agree.
He said he now felt the campground itself should be relocated from Taylor Park.
"I’ve called around [other] camping grounds, to get an idea of the size you need to be to be a viable commercial business.
"A viable camping ground needs approximately 20 cabins, 50 power outlets and plenty of room for tent sites, extra ablution blocks, recreation buildings, parking, roading, etc.
"Taylor Park is not big enough."
Quizzed by Cr Bruce Graham what the reaction of the residents Mr Powell spoke for would be if the council continued its plans for cabins at the park, Mr Powell said they would not be backing down.
The council will discuss the submissions at a later meeting, before making a decision on the campground’s future.
