“Bit late now. Tough shit. They're up now”, says Fendalton local about 13-Unit development near Christchurch Girls' and Boys' High that Sparks Complaints and Protest

A Metro Advances Limited development will see 13 housing units crammed onto land a short walk from Christchurch Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools.

This is against a backdrop of protests from neighbour Tessa Burrows, complaints made to the council, concerns regarding parking, privacy and lighting, and whether it will be a social housing development, and misgivings from the former owners who believed only 4 units were planned for the 25 Matai Street West complex opposite train lines that bisect two of the city’s oldest public schools.

In this article, The Wigram hears from the locals that fought against the development, the developers, the Christchurch City Council, and community board chair and local Helen Broughton regarding the controversial non-notified complex and the current District Plan.

It also looks at concerns raised by locals about who will live in the complex and its impact on privacy and light, and at the role of prominent lawyer and Nurse Maude board chair, David Lang in the development.

An artist’s impression of the completed Matai Street West development. Source: Metro Advances Limited.

Photograph: Tessa Burrows

The Matai Street West development photographed on 6 March this year.

The Previous Owners’ Viewpoint

The original owners of 25 and 25A Matai Street West sold the sections about a year ago, after a real estate agent approached them.

Speaking to the couple in their home, she said the agent told her the development would include “just 4-5 townhouses”.