CONCERNS have been raised about the length of time residents have to respond to major plans for Christchurch town centre.

The proposals, which could shape the town for years to come, went out to the public on Monday.

But the time span of the two-week ‘consultation’ has come under fire, despite the council saying it is not a formal process and the proposals are merely ideas at this stage.

The plans, which were launched with a public exhibition this week, will be on display until Monday at the Regent Centre, with the feedback deadline set as October 20.

Until yesterday, people would then have to have viewed them online.

But on Thursday, the council said the boards will appear in the reception at the Civic Offices until Monday, October 20.

Community leaders and councillors fear two weeks is not enough time, and claim many groups will not be able to respond constructively in this time.

Town centre ward councillor Peter Hall said he thought the time frame was “wrong”.

“The whole council should have had a meeting to discuss what is proposed, the length of the consultation and the cost of this. It all seems to be very rushed.”

Cllr Colin Bungey, Independent councillor, said: “It is disappointing that the consultation period is too short and many residents will not have the time to comment.

“There are residents associations and groups who will not have a meeting until the end of the month, and can’t have a proper discussion.

“I would urge as many people as possible to respond and I am very concerned by the short time given.”

Concerns were also heard during a discussion of the ideas at a meeting of Christchurch Citizens Association on Monday evening.

Peter Fenning, secretary of Christchurch Conservation Trust and a CCA member, who helped to arrange the meeting, said: “It was felt that it is unfair to say the least.

“It’s far too short and far too rushed,” he added.

“It’s totally inadequate.”

He said it would have been better if the council held a series of public meetings for residents and community groups.

Feedback

Nick James, economic development manager at Christchurch council, said: “This is not a formal consultation.

“At the moment this is just an exhibition to show people the sort of ideas which are being considered for the town centre and to get some feedback on these initial ideas.”

He said none of the ideas were set in stone and comments will be analysed to refine the plans before a formal consultation was launched.

Paper copies of the proposals are available for people who do not have computers and who are unable to attend the exhibition.