Monks resolve driveway scrap

A driveway dispute between a small Hutt Valley monastery and its neighbours has been settled without the need for council intervention.

The Wat Dhamma Preteep monastery was set up in Wainuiomata by four Buddhist monks, sharing a private access road with surrounding properties.

A complaint from one neighbour about the number of people using the road to visit the monastery saw the Hutt City Council declare it a place of assembly, requiring a resource consent, the Dominion Post reported.

The dispute was headed for a council hearing on Friday but a meeting between the monks and their neighbours produced an early resolution.

"This can be an example of co-operation...without any kind of violence," monk Phra Phanlop said.

"This is a good sign. I think we will get more and more understanding towards each other."

Under their agreement no more than 12 cars can visit each day, with two weeks notice required for larger gatherings.

- NZPA