Publication: ph13052012

The Petone Community Board is standing by its support for a District Plan change enabling WelTec to set up an education precinct in Petone.

Three residents spoke at last weekend’s board meeting saying the board’s position was out of step with the wishes of the community.

Buick St resident Kevin Moar said he and his neighbours were concerned at what proposed rules could mean for them.

“We still live with the prospect of a student accommodation block being built behind our properties without notice.  We think the community board is acting outside its authority. Residents around WelTec have significant concerns. The submission from the Petone Community Board does not represent the views of the community. 

“The submission is particularly servile to WelTec.”

Peter Prichard, whose family has lived on Buick St since 1924, agreed.  “This not a direction we should be going.

“When planning is being done it should be done properly. At the moment residents don’t know what is being proposed or what will go ahead.”

Mr Prichard says many of the area’s residents were elderly and no longer had the energy for a fight.  But they had real concerns that had not been addressed.

High St resident David Tripp said the board’s submission was full of errors. “There is no evidence that there has been any effort to gain residents’ views. I don’t think the submission is reflective of the community’s concerns.”

Dr Tripp took particular exception to one statement in the submission. “The statement that all residents’ concerns have been addressed is dishonest,” Dr Tripp said. “The submission does not reflect the views of the community. Its analysis is extremely superficial.”

Later in the meeting three board members – Tui Lewis, Peter Foaese and Mike Fisher - voted against approving the submission, even though it had already been sent to the council.

Dr Tripp says those dissenting votes mean the board should review its processes. “I don’t think it’s credible for Petone Community Board to make such a strong submission when half the board disagrees with it.”

He says the board needs to engage meaningfully with the community and listen to its concerns.

Board chairman Gerald Davidson says he is surprised at the residents’ criticisms.

The WelTec precinct had been mooted as part of the Petone Vision project in 2006. In the meantime there have been a number of meetings with residents.

He says the original precinct proposal had changed significantly since it was tabled in 2011, with the board taking up residents’ concerns with both council officers and WelTec.

“The points raised by residents living nearby, in the pre-consultation stage, have been considered and changes were sought and made regarding the rules for new buildings.”

He disagrees that a student hostel could be built behind homes on Buick St. “The hostel project has been cancelled. There is no chance of any buildings being built behind Mr Moar’s property.”

Mr Davidson says WelTec had sought to increase height limits in some areas from eight metres to 12. But its proposal was rejected. Changes sought by residents relating to setback rules and recession planes have also been made. “I went to a lot of trouble in getting the proposal changed."

He disputes there has been a lack of consultation. “I try and do the best I can to help people. I’ve lived here a long time and know what people think.”