'Berlin Wall' plan at Bayfair opposed

Arataki residents Ferd and Sonja Leenen fear losing precious winter sunshine if a big development goes up next door. Photo / John Borren

A multimillion dollar extension to Bayfair's Somervale retirement village has run into opposition from neighbours, who compare the proposed 70-bed care unit to the Berlin Wall running near their homes.

Metlifecare has applied for consent to build the care unit and 16 serviced apartments on 4500sq m behind Somervale.

Arguments for and against the new development will be heard today by an independent commissioner appointed by the Tauranga City Council.

The eastern boundary of the development would adjoin Marwood Place, and many neighbours are objecting because of concerns about the impact that the main two-storey block would have on their properties. Metlifecare's application said the building would have a maximum height of 8 metres, with a 3m setback from the boundary shared with Marwood Place.

One woman who asked not be named said everyone was referring to the planned development as the Berlin Wall because there would be no breaks in the building along their boundaries.

Ferd Leenen said the loss of sunlight was the worst aspect of the development. "We depend very much on sunlight." It would cost a lot more to heat the house.

Another property owner, Tony Noble, said it was the building's monolithic nature that concerned most people, and how the loss of sun in the winter would lead to extra heating costs for the mainly elderly residents.

He was also concerned at the potential of stormwater run-off once the bare land was developed, and wanted the decision delayed until the council's stormwater investigation for the area was completed next year. Metlifecare's application said the extension would generate about another 85 vehicle movements a day along Gloucester Rd. The 70-bed care unit would include include health, dining and communal facilities.

Metlifecare did not respond to a message from the Bay of Plenty Times.

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