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Really interesting post over at the Capabilities Blog, where the spotlight is on the recently-completed Riverton viewing platform, which has in fact just been awarded “Highly Commended” at the Carter Holt Harvey Timber Design Awards 2007. The catch is, it doesn’t comply with the access provisions of the building code, and in fact the wheelchair ramp doesn’t even go all the way to the top of the platform!
They [Southland District Council] argue that they granted a building consent with the viewing platform not being wheelchair accessible as they decided that wheelchair access to the viewing platform is not required because, according to them, there is no difference in views from where the present ramp finishes and the viewing platform is. (450 mm height difference) This is a ridiculous statement because if there is no difference in the view why put the extra level there at all?
It seems ludicrous that the local council is not holding construction companies to the regulations they themselves set! Click here to read the full story, and leave your comments below.
7 responses so far ↓
1 Cushla // Jan 18, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I am gobsmacked reading that! Has anybody tried to build a house or get a building consent for anything? NOT EVEN A NAIL BEING OUT OF PLACE IS ACCEPTABLE. Then this gets an award? and building consent?
This isnt just an injustice to disabled people, it is an injustice to any poor person who has applied for a building consent, have struggled with the leaky home fiasco or are tradesmens or do it yourselfers!!!!!!!??
2 Accessible bushwalks/trails? // Jan 18, 2008 at 7:36 pm
[…] Login ← Riverton viewing platform wins award, screws disabled people […]
3 Dot // Jan 23, 2008 at 11:12 am
As a Southlander known for our innovation, caring, community networks, I am ashamed and embarressed about the edifice known as the Riverton Viewing Platform. The ignorance of those concerned I can somewhat understand but the arrogance to listen and put right I cannot!
4 Dot // Jan 25, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Was in Riverton yesterday and noticed the newly painted accessible car park is now in place and therefore suggests this thing is accessible?
5 Peter Dolamore // Jan 25, 2008 at 2:33 pm
This comment from Southland District CEO Dave Adamson at the Riverton Community Board meeting held 19/12/2007
Mr Adamson commented that first priority was for the structure to obtain a compliance certificate, secondly assess the possibility of upgrading access to the top level and costings involved.
I have never heard of a building having a Code of Compliance (CCC) issued before it complies with the building code.
I am quite sure anybody else building something would not even attempt to do this let alone be allowed to by the Council!!
Perhaps the SDC can then turn around and say oh it has been issued a CCC therefore it must comply!!
6 Peter Dolamore // Jan 25, 2008 at 2:44 pm
whoops the meeting was 17 December
I have written to the Riverton Community Board pointing out that the claim being made by Dave Adamson about a Code Of Compliance Certificate (CCC) being issued first and then assess the possibility of upgrading access to the top level would actually be illegal.
The viewing platform could not be issued a CCC until it complies with the building code.
A person building a house does not get a CCC from the council until the council are satisfied that it complies with the building code, same principle applies here.
7 shazia sahmim // Aug 14, 2008 at 4:25 am
This is injustice with poor disabled people. Such this is very expensive. I am totally with Cushla Post
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