Dummy spat over childcare proposal

Residents have won a yearlong battle against a developer’s proposal to build a childcare centre in their quiet Glenfield cul-desac.

Developers BD Investments Limited had applied for a resource consent to build a childcare centre for 48 children.

The centre would have occupied two sections in Ondine Place and included a new carpark.

Residents immediately objected to the idea, because it would affect the character of Ondine Place - where neighbours all know each other and socialise and create noise and traffic problems.

Independent commissioners held a hearing on the application on July 27.

Of the 23 residents of Ondine Place, 12 attended the hearing.

The commissioners heard submissions from the developer, residents, an arborist, engineers, an ecologist and council officers.

Resident Roger Bolton argued the proposal did not make sense for the area.

‘‘There are only four children under five years old living in 23 dwellings on this street.

‘‘Each neighbourhood has a natural fit of old and young, and this proposal will bring in an artificially high number of kids,’’ he says.

In addition, excessive noise was a concern for neighbours.

Paramedics who work night shifts and students who study in the day have a right to a quiet neighbourhood, Bolton says.

‘‘I understand that commercial ventures are for profit but our properties are our profit and our homes will be devalued.’’

Auckland Council announced the commissioners were declining the developer’s application for a resource consent on August 15.

Bolton says he is ’’well pleased’’ with the result.

This is the first time Bolton has been involved in anything like this, but he says he felt he had a right to protect his residential area.

Bolton hopes this outcome will encourage more people in similar situations to fight back.

‘‘If you value your neighbourhood then it’s well worth fighting for,’’ he says.

BD Investments’ Ben Dragonson says he has accepted the decision.

‘‘I tried to contribute to the community,’’ Dragonson says.

Applicants have 15 working days to appeal.

PHOTO: LAINE MOGER Residents Wilma Stuart and Roger Bolton felt they had the right to fight for their quiet residential neighbourhood.