Submissions regarding an application for resource consent by Jessica Garden and Bradley Thomas for three attached residential units in Larch Cres went before the Central Otago District Council’s hearings panel yesterday.
Two neighbouring property owners made submissions against consent being granted.
The submitters, Ross and Barbara McLeod and Sarah Graham cite parking issues, noise, safety issues posed by extra vehicles, and particularly the number of people who could be living in the units.
In her submission, Ms Garden said Alexandra was in a housing shortage.
‘‘We are trying to help fix the problem, by building three units rather than investing in and buying an existing property which takes away that property from first-home buyers.’’
She said their ideal tenants were retirees or young professional couples pre children. There would be a maximum capacity of one to two people per unit. This would also alleviate concerns about the number of vehicles.
‘‘We have heard of instances where young families have had to move away from the area because they can’t get accommodation.
‘‘We are hopeful there could be instances where one to two people are renting three to four bedroom homes, where they could move into one of our units and free up family homes,’’ Ms Garden said.
Ms Graham told the hearing the ‘‘whole purpose’’ of her submission was to give the council ‘‘pause’’ to reflect on future implications.
Maximum capacity could not be guaranteed, she said.
‘‘My concern is we could have full families living in these spaces.’’
Hearings panel chairman Cr Neil Gillespie said he did not see how the council could rule on occupancy.
‘‘It’s not likely, to be honest.’’
He reserved the panel’s decision.
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Comments
Urban sprawl is very costly.
Development of the land with purchase first then expensive earth moving machines. Building roads, paths, three waters, power. Total about $150000 for each property that the ratepayers pay. Then schools, parks, community centers, shops added later. For the new family moving they probably need 2 or 3 cars as there is no public transort. Then the cost in time commuting for each of them is costly to the wellbeing of the family.
It makes much more sense to build apartments close to town and all parties benefit.
The councils have no method of controlling occupancy. A unit build on the back of a section was just for family holiday use - it now houses a family. Two houses on one section and parking problems and rubbish aspects as only one set of bins and the rates reflect one house largely.