Wellington North council wants more information before deciding on a controversial zoning change in Mount Forest.
The change would allow an overnight respite accommodation for young people between the ages of 12 and 16, who may be in family conflict.
Known as Aletha’s Place, the program is an extension of a day program being offered for a number of years at the New Growth Family Centre, a registered charity, operating out of a former church on Birmingham Street West.
Both sides of the issue agree the current day program is a great benefit to the community, but several neighbours are concerned that the overnight care might affect the value of their homes and threaten their security.
On the other side, a large number of local residents gave sometimes emotional testimony as to the value of the service being offered at the centre.
