By Sue Newman  September 4 2010

It may not have been the answer some wanted, but Ashburton's museum and art gallery have been given the nod and will be granted a resource consent. Reaching the consenting stage has involved a long round of consultation, debate and discussions. Submissions were called, submissions were made. A hearing was held and yesterday a decision was announced. The project's supporters will be elated. Arts and history will both have a new, purpose-built facility, one that will showcase both and will also, in the case of the museum, preserve our past for the future.