Quarter-acre dream fades in capital
The quarter-acre dream is fading fast in Wellington with the announcement of a modern housing development to be built in Johnsonville.
Wellington City Council has granted resource consent for a multi-unit development called North Point, which will consist of 70 residential units and 97 car parks on a block of land roughly the size of a rugby field.
Stage one of construction is expected to be completed this month. The threebedroom units will be priced from $665,000.
City councillor Brian Dawson, who holds the housing portfolio, said it was a relatively high-end development ‘‘so, ultimately, the market will decide whether there is a demand’’.
‘‘I’m comfortable with the proposed density. As far as infrastructure goes, that is always a part of the consenting and planning process, so will have been addressed,’’ he said.
‘‘We do need more housing, and we need to make the best use of the limited land available in our highly constrained city. There is absolutely a place for this style of development.’’
In her assessment of the resource consent application, the council’s consultant urban design adviser Jane Black noted: ‘‘The proposal will introduce a new type of residential development to the area and will create its own neighbourhood.’’
The ‘‘monotony’’ of a row of housing was avoided by varying the height, roof form and materials of adjoining units, which resulted in each unit appearing as an individually designed house, she said.
While it would increase traffic along Fraser Ave, adverse effects on the road network would be minor.
The real estate agent driving the sale, Leigh Adgo, said the homes had a variety of flexible layouts, with some featuring a view of Wellington Harbour.
‘‘This makes it so much easier to get on the property ladder in the first place. We only have limited sites available but the concept is well-established.’’