The future of a controversial Wanganui heritage building will be decided by the Environment Court - for the second time.
Wanganui District councillors agreed at a meeting yesterday to make a direct referral to the Environment Court on the future of the former Native Land Court building, which stands at the corner of Rutland St and Market Place.
The referral was made at the request of UCOL and Te Puna Matauranga o Whanganui, who wish to pull down the building and replace it with a purpose-built iwi tertiary institution.
The council's decision means the fate of the building will be determined by the Environment Court, rather than UCOL and Te Puna having to go through the council's consent process.
Senior resource management planner, Rachelle Voice, said in her report to the council that the issue had already been through the consent process.