Media Statement

MSD Proposed transitional housing at Papamoa

112 local residents surrounding the Papamoa sewerage pumping station at 45 Opal Drive, Papamoa have lodged petitions with Parliament and the Tauranga City Council (TCC) in opposition to Ministry for Social Development (MSD) plans to develop 19 'transitional' houses on the former sewerage drainage site.

The land is owned by TCC Sewerage Department and is designated in the City Plan for sewerage purposes.

MSD has lodged a resource consent application with TCC but has already agreed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Council to lease the site for between 5 and 15 years.

Adjoining homeowners and nearby locals are outraged at the 'sneaky and inconsiderate' way MSD and the council have gone about doing the deal before consulting the community.

"It came as a real shock to hear about it after Social Housing Minister Alfred Ngaro had been to the site for a promotional photo opportunity."

The neighbourhood have since met with local MP Todd Muller and TCC Papamoa ward councillor Steve Morris and are waiting for further information to be provided by TCC and the Minister's Office.

MSD has said there are no affected parties and the resource consent does not need to be notified.

Locals are insulted and say the process is shocking and the proposal is unacceptable.

"It is offensive to build homes on the old sewerage disposal site, which was previously a dog hydatids dosing strip."

The 112 petitioners have asked Parliament to note their plight and are seeking cancellation of the MoU and withdrawal of the land for lease.

Council has advised that it intends to build a new waste water pumping station on part of the site in the next 5 years to cater for the new Papamoa East urban developments underway.
 

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