Local action group joins Meadowbank and St Johns Residents Association

28 January 2015

Our committee has voted in favour of including a local action group as a subcommittee of our association.

The Puroto, Purewa and Manapau Residents Group (PPMRG) wants better consultation with locals on theĀ development of a Special Housing Area (SHA) planned for adjoining sites on Puroto and Purewa streets.

Housing New Zealand is proposing to build 14 new homes on the 2590 square metre SHA site where there are currently four state houses.

Under SHA legislation Housing New Zealand is not required to notify nearby residents of SHA resource consent applications made to the Auckland Council.

Only owners of adjoining properties have been invited by letter by Housing New Zealand to discuss their concerns and view plans.

PPMRG group leader Grant Dickson did not receive a letter despite living within 10 metres of the development. He says that while the PPRMG does not oppose redevelopment of the sites, he is worried that the intensity of the development is out of character for the neighbourhood and that locals won’t get to have their say.

The Puroto/Purewa SHA is the first of three SHAs in Meadowbank to be developed. The map below shows all three SHA sites.

Map showing all three Meadowbank SHA sites. First up for development is the site on Puroto/Purewa streets.

The group has been accepted as a subcommittee of MBSJRA because it satisfies requirements set out in our constitution. MBSJRA Chair Ruth Mackintosh says “Meadowbank and St Johns Residents Association is keen to ensure locals are consulted and represented in all developments in our area, including SHAs, in line with our mission to create a thriving and vibrant community.”