Rototuna residents fear student hostels
Rototuna residents have joined voices with Tamahere householders outraged about massive houses being built in their communities they fear are to become student hostels.
Chinese developer LV Park Construction is building a two-storey, seven bedroom house with ensuites in Barwick Place, Rototuna, and neighbours have taken their concerns to the Hamilton City Council, says Tamahere Forum.
The Waikato Times reported last week that LV Park manager Thomas Wang planned eight large-scale homes in a developing area of Tamahere, in the Waikato District Council’s patch.
The proposed Tamahere houses have between eight and nine bedrooms, with ensuite bathrooms. Concerned residents claim the development is a student housing complex for Chinese tertiary students, the Times said.
The sites were sold last year, and concerns were first raised when subcontractors working for LV Park said mass dwelling were planned.
However, signs put up by LV Park indicated that each of the houses would have different design, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
When construction on the second home began, it became evident the same rental-style design was being followed.
The latest story reports Thomas Wang refused to comment on the Rototuna development.
…two more LV Park developments, with almost identical building plans, are going up on Hartford Rd and nearby New Borman Rd.
The Barwick Pl resident group has complained to the city council and is critical of the way it has handled the issue.
Resident Bridget Griffiths said dealing with council protocol felt like ‘hitting our heads against a brick wall’.
“I think (council) needs to clarify and have stricter guidelines… their guidelines are very loose,” Mrs Griffiths said.
Residents were concerned the build would not be in keeping with the neighbourhood of young families on the street and, with an influx of seven to 14 new residents, it would attract cars and excess rubbish.
Read the first Waikato Times story on the Tamahere development here and click here for the Rototuna follow-up.
