The above is an extract from a letter received today from Qualcare communicating some significant changes to their plans.
While most of these changes will be welcomed by MacPherson St residents, a number of aspects have not changed:
- There is no mention of changes to the size and bulk of the main development, therefore we can assume that it will still contain 3,4,5 storey apartment blocks. This means that the number of people on site will still be approximately 450, creating significant extra traffic along Meadowbank Rd and surrounding streets.
- We can assume that there is no increase in the number of car parks provided on site, therefore there is still the issue of increased parking on surrounding streets.
- Bonnie Brae Rd will be overlooked by 3 storey apartment blocks, and it is now planned to put an access road down this side of the site. I am note sure what "limited access for service vehicles" means. It has not be made clear where the main service access point for the complex will be.
- The proposal is still totally out of character with the surrounding residential area (zoned 6A and 2B)
- The 5 storey apartments are approximately twice the allowed height for the area, and the 3 storey apartments exceed the 8m height restriction.
- Some protected trees will still be removed.
- Significant earthworks will take place to create the underground car park - the excavated earth will have to be transported along local streets.
- Demolition/Construction noise, dust etc. over a long period (5-10 years has been variously stated by Qualcare)
Qualcare expect to lodge their Resource Consent application by the end of this month.
