Unison power application delayed

An application by Unison for an easement over Miro Street Plantation Reserve has been delayed after it sparked a long debate by Councillors.

Unison Power company has purchased land at Fleet Street to build a new substation to service possible future growth in the industrial and residential areas in the Crown Road/Taharepa Road vicinity; however Unison’s application for an easement to install underground power cabling and overhead power lines on Miro Street Local Purpose Plantation Reserve was challenged by the Taupo-Kaingaroa/Mangakino-Pouakani Committee members.

Unison is proposing the installation of overhead lines from the Tauhara Road end of the Miro Street Plantation Reserve to the Fleet Street substation site, then underground to the Taharepa Road/Crown Road intersection. There was discussion on whether more of the reserve could be used for underground cabling as opposed to the more visually obtrusive overhead power lines.

Chair Cr Kathryn Uvhagen and her fellow Councillors asked for more information. “We know there is ‘hot ground’ in this area, however if underground cable can be used for some of the way – why not have it all underground?”

Unison has also proposed using screen planting to mitigate the visual effect of the proposed power poles/lines. Clr Hickling wanted to know if any trees had to be removed from the reserve and what the setback limits were for the proposed screen trees. “We all know that trees and power poles are incompatible so how can mitigation be achieved by planting?” he asked.

Councillors also wanted mock-up photo’s which would allow them to clearly understand what the power poles/lines would look like on the reserve. The poles are estimated to be 10 metres high, which is much taller than the usual 6 ½ metre high power poles. Councillors also wanted Unison to undertake some initial consultation with landowners in the area, as the proposal may have an adverse effect on the adjoining residential area.

The TKMP Committee has deferred the item until more details are provided by Unison.