Residents upset as reserve becomes a housing project
A development touted to ease housing pressure in Wellington’s northern suburbs has upset some residents, with lack of consultation the main concern.
The site in Batchelor St, Newlands, will soon be home to 16 units.
Nearby homeowner Margaret MacLeod became aware of the project late last year and sought to make contact with developers Greg and Craig Walton.
‘‘They explained they wanted to get the neighbours on board and I suggested a meeting on site. That was the last I ever heard from them.’’
The land, which was previously home to the Newlands Community Centre, was sold by Wellington City Council last year after its status as a reserve was revoked.
‘‘When the council decided not to keep hold of it [the land] we were left waiting to see what would happen, we didn’t have any inkling of these plans so it was a bit of a shock,’’ said MacLeod. ‘‘There was no discussion, no invitation for input. It was just a done deal.’’
However, Greg Walton said he and his brother had discussed the plans with some neighbours and had made their contact details available. ‘‘We did send out plans with emails and tried to make contact with the immediate dwellings adjacent to the south fence.’’
He was willing to meet with impacted residents.
‘‘[We’re] very keen to answer questions and to assure them that this is going to be a good project ... Change [from an] existing green park to any type of housing is going to be less desirable to the neighbours. I understand that but we have positioned the houses as far as possible away from the southern neighbours.’’
However, nearby resident Wei Gao said: ‘‘It seems Wellington City Council has completed the approval process under the table or only listened from the single side, which is whatever the developer has planned.
‘‘Sixteen dwellings [is] just too many for that small land section, and too close to the neighbours’ houses. It will completely ruin the outlook, living environment and privacy for that area.’’
Northern ward councillor Peter Gilberd disagreed.
‘‘The correct process has been followed and the development has been carefully thought out. It’ll enhance Newlands, and will provide much-needed additions to Wellington’s housing stock.’’
The units are advertised at $525,000 each, with two sold.
‘‘There was no invitation for input. It was just a done deal.’’ Resident Margaret MacLeod