Raiha St housing developer still hopeful of success

The developer of a proposed $ 45 million affordable housing project in Raiha St has given himself a deadline to get it underway.

Phillip McNeil unveiled plans late last year for a scheme to build 159 ecofriendly, affordable homes on a former wrecker’s yard at 54 Raiha St, opposite Hospital Rd. Homes are expected to cost between $230,000 and $320,000.

He needs the land to be rezoned from industrial to residential and is facing up to $2 million in resource consent fees from Porirua City Council.

Mr McNeil had hoped to get the green light in January, but said last week his company was still to submit consents or apply for the plan change.

‘‘We’re going through a process and there’s no guarantee of success, but we’re hopeful,’’ he said.

‘‘I believe in this project and want to produce affordable homes that people in Porirua can be proud of. It ticks a lot of boxes — it’s close to the city centre, amenities, transport and the hospital.’’

While he had discussed the project with Porirua City councillors – ‘‘the feedback has been very positive’’ – getting it in front of council officers was going to take some time.

He has given himself until Sept- ember to get construction underway.

‘‘Our surveyors and planners are working on it right now, but the [Resource Management] Act can make this an expensive and time-consuming process.

‘‘There are barriers, but I get the feeling people want this to work.’’

Porirua City Council’s manager of environment and city planning, Matt Trlin, confirmed no private plan change or resource consent application had been received.

‘‘The ball is in the developer’s court to develop a formal proposal for the site so it can be assessed on its merits,’’ he said.