Former Bella Vista director 'sorry' for home owners

Danny Cancian, the former company director of liquidated Bella Vista Homes. Photo / File

Danny Cancian, the former company director of liquidated Bella Vista Homes, says he tried to finish the homes affected by the evacuation order but claims he faced roadblocks dealing with the city council.

When the Bay of Plenty Times went to his home yesterday afternoon following the evacuation of the 21 houses, Cancian said: "We tried to finish everything. Absolutely 100 per cent tried to finish it and council just wouldn't let us go ahead, they just wouldn't let us get traction."

Cancian said Bella Vista had building consents to build the homes but were constantly getting sent request for information (RFI) letters from the council.

"They would stop a job because we were like 30mm too high on the foundations."

Asked if he felt remorse or any guilt about the families having to leave their homes, he said: "Absolutely. I feel really sorry for those poor people, I'm telling you. But what do I do?

"I can't fight the Government, I can't fight council. I tried; I tried to fight them and couldn't do it. Just had no option."

Cancian said Worksafe came in and shut them down.

"It was just costing more money and more money and more money."

Cancian said he offered all of the homeowners the option of Bella Vista trying to finish the building for free.