Parking vexes locals

A 53-unit development proposed for a three-house site in Takapuna has been described by a residents’ group as a ‘‘slum-like’’ plan to jam in residents ‘‘like sardines’’.

But the property sector argues the development delivers muchneeded housing for the people of Auckland.

The development, proposed by the McLeod Family Trust and Coxley Hall, is for two five-storey apartment blocks in Tennyson Ave, connected with pedestrian walkways and featuring a roof garden.

The developers have consent for a four-storey, 44-unit development on the site, but decided to apply for an additional floor, in part due to the partially operative Auckland Unitary Plan being more lenient than previous rules.

However, despite the leniency, the proposal does not comply with height restrictions, parking requirements and requirements for light in the lower, inner bedrooms.

Takapuna Action Group member Susan Wann says everybody should be concerned about the extra height and lack of parking.

Sixteen of the units will have no car park at all and Tennyson Ave already has no spare car parks during the day.

Wann is concerned the development will be ‘‘like a slum’’, with the lack of sunlight indicative of the council’s plan to ‘‘intensify and pack them all in like sardines’’.

‘‘To me, it’s incredible, against human rights, to not have a decent place to live, to have all the sunlight taken away because the building is too close to the next building.

‘‘Why should it be allowed to go ahead against the unitary plan? It’s there for a purpose, to protect people’s rights to a decent environment.’’

The Takapuna Action Group will be putting in an objection against the proposal, Wann says.

Property Council chief executive Connal Townsend says residents should expect the unitary plan rules to be challenged, saying that is what the Resource Management Act is for.

‘‘Anyone is entitled to go beyond what’s permitted and that’s why we go through the resource consent process.’’

In general, Townsend says apartment blocks are needed in Auckland to meet the ‘‘ridiculous’’ housing demand. Takapuna is a ‘‘perfect node’’ for more development, Townsend says, although he admits infrastructure needs to keep pace with the growth.

ZACH MCGRATH, MAIRANGI BAY

‘‘I like the fact it’s got a roof garden and it’s quite art deco. If it was a tower, I would be quite against it.’’

‘‘Anyone is entitled to go beyond what's permitted’’

Connal Townsend, Property Council

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The proposed development for Tennyson Ave, Takapuna, will see three stand-alone houses replaced with two five-storey apartment blocks.