Big business threatens to kill dream lifestyle

Craig Strachan says Beachlands is the perfect place to raise a family. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Beachlands is only 40 minutes from central Auckland, but it has retained the characteristics of a seaside town, becoming a haven for young families looking for an escape from city living.

But with three large developments on the cards, this sleepy community may soon be transformed into a concrete urban jungle.

A new housing estate, intensification of an existing housing development and a retail area - spearheaded by supermarket owner Progressive Enterprises - are planned for the east Auckland community, where houses use tank water and streets have no kerbs.

The developments are expected to double the 3400 population.

Manukau City Council has recognised Beachlands as an area of potential growth, because of its attractive qualities - wide open rural spaces, sea views and a friendly community spirit.

But it is those qualities that will be compromised if intensive development comes to the township, says Pohutukawa Coast Community Association vice-president Cameron Butler.

Beachlands has been growing slowly in recent years, he says, because people are attracted to its laid-back lifestyle and closeness to the city.

"We can still see the stars at night."

It's probably not surprising the locals are unwilling to compromise their little slice of paradise.

A PCCA door-to-door survey found 80 per cent of residents oppose any development - residential or commercial.

Long-time resident and liquor store owner Craig Strachan says Beachlands is the perfect place to raise a family, because children do not have the option of "hanging out at the shopping mall".

He is concerned teenagers will gravitate towards a shopping centre, instead of enjoying activities such as fishing and riding.

"This is why we live out here, to get away from all that.

"If they [the developers] lived out here they would understand."

Brett Turner said a Four Square store that opened last December was not needed, as residents were happy to drive 15 minutes to the Supermarket at Botany Downs.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said her son had put up signs in shops to advertise a fundraiser, but the Four Square refused.

She was sceptical about the benefits of another retail conglomerate coming on to the scene.

"What are they going to do for the community when Foodstuffs haven't done anything?"

The general manager of property at Progressive Enterprises, Adrian Walker, said the company was incorporating the needs of the community into its plans for a 3600sq m Countdown and retail area.

But Mr Butler said the supermarket giant's representatives "haven't listened to us in the slightest".

It is not only the prospect of commercial development in the area that is worrying locals. Also of concern is the extension of nearby Pine Harbour and the opening of Beachlands Village, a medium-to-low-density housing division.

An apartment building is planned to accompany the existing street of Tuscan-style houses at Pine Harbour, a two-minute drive from Beachlands and a 35-minute ferry ride to Auckland City.

Manukau City councillor Michael Williams says development of Pine Harbour will bring a "vibrancy" to the area, akin to that of Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

But Mr Butler does not believe further development is needed, when one can already drive around another subdivision, Spinnaker Bay, and see empty sections.

Mr Turner describes the opening of Spinnaker Bay as the moment "people stopped saying hi to each other".

"We are going from bach living to a rich-man's paradise."

The PCCA is worried that current infrastructure will not be able to handle a sudden surge in population if developments go ahead.

The local decile 10 primary school is nearly full and there is no land set aside in council plans to build another.

Mr Turner says roading would also be an issue, especially in summer when Beachlands and neighbouring Maraetai are congested with day trippers.

"We will be another suburb of Botany but without the double-lane highway."

BEACHLANDS

* Where: 40 minutes east of Auckland

* Population: 3400

* Projected population: 6800

The proposal
* Pine Harbour Marina developed to include 500 apartments.
Subdivision of existing farmland extended to bring a further 2300 residents.
* New commercial area including shopping area with 3600sq m supermarket.

Opposition
* 80 per cent of residents against any further development.