Diamond Harbour Community Association chairman Richard Suggate said a city council report recommending that the land at Stoddart Point Reserve be used for a venue with no liquor license did not meet the aspirations of residents.
"Godley House was there since the early 1900s and for decades it served as a hotel, a bar, a cafe, beautiful grounds and provided entertainment," he said.
"Now, residents are looking for a multi-purpose community social facility that can provide food and drinks, including alcoholic drinks. That would be the result that would satisfy most people in the community."
The Banks Peninsula Community Board has voted not to approve the proposal following a deputation by Mr Suggate on behalf of the DHCA.
The city council report stated that alcohol could not be sold on the land due to the Recreation Reserve status of the land and that there was "no real viable option to change to a different type which would suit the community's aspirations for a local centre to gather and socialise."
But Mr Suggate said in his deputation that the land could still be protected and used recreationally with a Local Purpose Reserve Status.
He said other content in the report did not correspond well with the analysis of 241 submissions which were received by the city council during a have your say on the site.
Forty-one submitters said they wanted a library. The option was ruled out due to a lack of funding.
Mr Suggate said the city council should continue looking at the costs and benefits of a library on the site rather than dismissing it prematurely.
The community board has asked city council staff to work closely with the DHCA to provide a response on the future of the site that better meets community aspirations.
It also asked staff to investigate and report back on whether there may be an opportunity within the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act to change the reserve status.
A report with an update on progress will come back to the new community board at its first meeting following October's local body elections.
Community board member John McLister, who pushed hard for the outcome, said while he thought the city council proposal was good, it did not reflect the community's desires.
HAVE YOUR SAY: What are your views on former Godley House site outcome? email jess.gibson@starmedia.kiwi
