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More than 60 people attended a public meeting held on August 13 to spread the word about Coastal Properties’ plan to build a large retirement resort in Orewa North (HM August 17).
Some have lived in the part of Orewa where the development is to go for 15 to 20 years, while others moved into the new subdivision in Annalise Place, built by the same developer, relatively recently.
The Theosophical Society of NZ sold the land to Coastal Properties in 2013 and it is zoned Mixed Housing Urban under Auckland Council’s Unitary Plan.
Several of the new residents say they were shown plans for this development, but with buildings at a maximum of three storeys rather than the five storeys now proposed, when they were considering moving in and feel as though they’ve been lied to.
Coastal Properties’ Brendan Coghlan says in 2014 when residents were told about the three-storey apartment building, it was just an idea with details sketchy with the details firmed up over the following 12 months.
He says the changes in level and articulation in the proposed complex “will lessen or soften the visual impact” on surrounding properties.
However, neighbours say the visual effects and dominance of the proposed buildings will have a more than minor impact on their sunlight and privacy as well as being totally out of keeping with the surrounding area.
Resident Garth Burleigh said at the meeting that residents’ main concerns are around the height and bulk of the proposed buildings as well as the effect on traffic and parking once people move in to the 121 apartments.
A submission signed by residents seeks to have the proposed buildings comply with the Unitary Plan – at present there are many areas where it is non-complying.
“The developer is asking to exceed the limits with every single building,” Mr Burleigh said. “We are only asking that it be compliant and that any development be in keeping with the existing area and respectful of proximity to the stream, bush and historical buildings.”
An architect who is assisting residents, Allan Morse, describes the scale of the proposal as “more appropriate for an industrial building”.
“The developer proposes to take some areas of the building to heights of over 18 metres, where the council’s code allows a maximum height of nine metres,” Mr Morse says. “This is the seaside town of Orewa not an inner city concrete jungle.”
Others said the possible impacts on the natural environment, including Nukumea Stream and Eave’s Bush, and historical buildings such as Walnut Cottage are unacceptable.
Long time resident Joye-Michelle Mitchell said hundreds of trees have been destroyed in subdividing the land already and birdlife has dramatically reduced.
Members of Orewa Ratepayers & Residents Association, who successfully quashed developers’ plans for high rise buildings along Hibiscus Coast Highway in the Environment Court, were at the meeting and told residents to expect a battle ahead.
Submissions closed August 24 and Council received 30 (29 opposed), as well as 70 signatures on a petition in opposition.
