14 February 2024
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Spa Lodge
Enquiry
I was wondering if someone could please help me with a query re Spa Lodge.
From December 7 it was given two months to work to requirements on health act and housing improvement regulation breaches. Can I ask if this has been completed to council's knowledge? If anything, what is left?
Has it completed any more inspections and does it intend to? (details of them please) Cleansing order issued?
Has it resolved issues relating to the two dangerous building notifications from last year? If anything, what is left?
Has the owner or a representative of the lodge indicated whether they intend to re-open? In what capacity? (I.e. tourism, non-tourism accommodation)
What does it need to do from now to achieve that?
In what ways will the council ensure there are no further breaches?
Have any fines or financial penalties been issued since the first dangerous building notice was issued, and if so, for what?
Have there been any joint-agency and lodge rep/owner meetings since the December 18 meeting? If so, what were they about and who was involved?
Follow-up enquiry:
I understand the issue has been an “ongoing compliance matter” since November.
However, since then I have received information about this so I politely ask you to reconsider your response.
The matters relating to Spa Lodge is of high public interest and have been ongoing for some time.
At the very least, I would appreciate being advised of whether the owner has met the timeframes given to them. I do not believe this is an unreasonable query.
If the council chooses to refrain from providing any further comment on this, I will need to let our readers know of the questions I’ve at least asked.
Please let me know whether I can expect anything further from you.
Response
From Group Manager Community and District Development – Jean-Paul Gaston:
Following the forced closure of Spa Lodge in December, Council has continued its compliance involvement with the property owner/operator. At this time, the property remains closed for business.
As this is an ongoing compliance matter, we do not consider it appropriate for Council to make any further comment at this time.
Follow up enquiry response:
The reporter was informed that we had no further comment at this time.