The Whakatane District Council's Projects and Services Committee is withdrawing support for the Ohope Tennis Club's proposed court development at Bluett Park.

Committee chairperson Christine Chambers says members have significant concerns about the viability of the location chosen by the club.

'There was a consensus view that the location proposed at the southern end of the park compromises the desired community and recreational outcomes of the development to such a degree that we could no longer support proceeding with the development on that site.”

The committee has also recommended the deferral of an Ohope Beach Community Board request that $30,000 from the Ohope subdividers ‘cash in lieu account' be allocated to the development.

Other issues of concern included:

*The distance of the proposed development from amenities and parking, and the likely call on the Council or Community Board for future funding to overcome the difficulties presented.

*The likelihood of flooding of, and damage to, the courts and possible increased flooding impacts from the raised court area on other park users and nearby properties.

*A lack of written support from all park users.

*A failure by the club to comply with all of the conditions for the Council's original approval of the project, including the provision of a satisfactory funding plan confirming that development could be completed.

Christine says the location originally proposed for the tennis courts was directly behind the Ohope Hall, an area subsequently identified as a very high flooding risk.

'Bluett Park and the surrounding area has experienced significant flooding in the recent past, so it is not an ‘if' but a ‘when' situation.

'And when that flooding occurs, it would not only damage the courts, but the raised court surface would increase the risk of damage to Council assets and other properties in the area.”

She says the southern end of the park has a reduced risk of flooding, but too many issues remain for Councillors to be able to confidently support that location either.

'Our decision also asks Council staff to work with the club to find a better location for the courts within the Ohope community and we look forward to seeing a sensible compromise reached.”