Four privately owned baches at Taylors Mistake will be demolished after the owners agreed to Christchurch City Council’s assessment that they pose serious health, safety, and environmental risks.
The decision follows a recent site inspection by Council staff in March, after complaints from members of the public about the deteriorating condition of the historic structures.
Christchurch City Council Head of Facilities and Property Bruce Rendall said the four baches—numbered 63, 64, 67, and 68—are in a state of disrepair and are located in a high-risk rockfall zone.
“These baches are in a hazard zone with a high risk of rockfall,” Rendall said. “They are in a dilapidated state and well beyond any attempt to repair them. Some have been vandalised, and there have been incidents of debris falling onto the beach or into the sea.”
Rendall said the owners, though emotionally attached to the baches, have accepted the Council’s decision.
Photo: Christchurch City Council
“It hasn’t been easy for them – these baches have been in their families for many years and they have a strong historic and emotional connection to them,” he said.
“We’re grateful that they understand our need to protect people and the environment and have come to the difficult decision to allow their baches to be demolished.”
The four affected structures are among 27 privately owned baches at Taylors Mistake situated on public road reserve. After a consultation process in 2018, the Council agreed in 2019 to offer bach owners a licence to occupy, under strict conditions. These included a requirement to mitigate any health, safety, or environmental risks such as rockfall.
Owners who did not meet the conditions were advised that demolition or removal would be at their own expense.
Photo: Christchurch City Council
However, in this case, the Council has opted to fund the demolition due to the urgency of the situation. “This is an exceptional situation,” Rendall said. “These baches pose an unacceptable risk to the public and need to be demolished as soon as possible. To expedite demolition, Council has agreed to fund the work because it is urgently required.”
The demolition will be paid for through the Council’s Non-conforming Use Fund. Safety fencing will be installed around the sites, and asbestos testing will be carried out prior to any demolition work.
The Council expects to award a contract and begin work as soon as possible.
