A Queenstown restaurant has been advised its practise of using a foreshore reserve area for the erection of a marquee is likely to come to an end, Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Duncan Field said.

"The council received two complaints that the Bathhouse Restaurant was erecting a marquee on the adjoining foreshore recreation reserve," Mr Field said.

On further investigation the council discovered that both the Bathhouse and the council had an informal understanding that the Bathhouse was permitted to erect the marquee for special occasions, no more than three times a year.

"After an extensive review, on the basis of complaints, I concluded that there is unfortunately no existing authority for this activity, despite the fact that both parties assumed there to be some documentation," Mr Field said.

In addition the council has approved a new foot bridge and improvements to the gardens, as well as taking steps to commence the refurbishment of the War Memorial Gate.

"It is likely that foot traffic in this area will increase," Mr Field said.

The matter was considered in public excluded at the community services committee meeting on Wednesday, last week.

"The committee has agreed with my recommendation that under all the circumstances, the Bathhouse will have to apply for temporary occupancy in the future, which in turn will need to be notified," Mr Field.

Given the expected increase in public use, it was not likely consent would be able to be granted.

"We have also acknowledged that this has occurred through a mutual misunderstanding and therefore the committee has agreed to allow the Bathhouse to honour any commitments it has made to bookings for the next 12 months," Mr Field said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Duncan Field 02 441 0499

By: Sarah