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A Warkworth developer is shaking his head at a Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) decision that his new six-unit complex is unsuitable for community housing.
Toby Yorke had hoped to lease the complex to De Paul House, which provides housing and support services for vulnerable people in the community. Its focus is on families with dependent children, helping them to transition from emergency housing to a stable home.
Each of the new two-bedroomed units in Hexham Street includes two heat pumps, double-glazing, a ventilation system and insulation, as well as off street parking, views and a deck. They are also within a short walking distance from town.
A HUD spokesperson said the units were unacceptable because the open plan kitchen, living and dining area on the upper floor was 24 square metres, which was about a third smaller than is required for a two-bedroom property.
The property was also unsuitable because although the properties had two bathrooms, these were both en suite and could not be accessed without guests walking through a bedroom.
“The overall internal layout of the proposed units does not comply with HUD’s design guidelines and is not reconcilable with public housing objectives,” the spokesperson said.
They added that HUD turned down few opportunities for new build housing, but this project had some significant design flaws, which would compromise the living experience for public housing tenants longer term.
“The Government was actively looking to support community housing providers with building their own properties and moving away from leasing from private developers.”
Yorke described HUD’s decision as disappointing.
“I’m not trying to portray myself as someone who is doing this for some altruistic reason, but I did see it as a way of me getting something for my investment, while at the same time providing some much needed accommodation for people in our community who desperately need it.
“I can’t see how living in a garage or a motel is better than living in a brand new unit.”
De Paul general manager Jan Rutledge said her organisation was also disappointed the complex was rejected by HUD.
She said the need for stable and affordable housing in Warkworth was increasing.
“To the quarter ended December 31 last year, 92 applicants were on the public housing register for Warkworth and it has no doubt increased since then,” Rutledge said. “We already provide social housing to 11 families in the area (23 adults and 40 children) and could easily fill these units in Hexham Street from our transitional housing waitlist.”
However, she acknowledged that public housing must meet HUD standards, which have recently been reviewed.
“These apartments are in a great location, close to transport and workplaces for our families.
Unfortunately, the configuration of the apartments as required by the (Auckland Council) resource consent limited the owner’s options. This resulted in two bedrooms on different levels and smaller living areas than those required by HUD.”
