Residents of West Melton are worried about a new 211-unit lifestyle village, Harlow, which may bring many elderly people to the area. This influx could put a strain on local services and facilities.
The developers are currently seeking approvals for the first phase of construction behind Shepherd Ave. During a recent meeting, Sam Wilshire, chair of the West Melton Residents Association, highlighted concerns about the local medical facilities. He noted that waiting times at doctors’ offices are already long. “If new residents arrive, who will take care of them?” he asked. Currently, the West Melton Medical Centre is not accepting new patients.
Lloyd Cloughley, COO of Ultimate Global Group, which manages the Harlow brand, assured the community that medical facilities would be part of the new village. However, he didn’t specify if they would be included in the initial phase. “GP facilities will be built early in the development. If additional facilities are needed, we can adjust our plans because the project will be rolled out in stages,” he explained.
Land rezoning for Harlow began as a private plan change in 2020 but switched to the District Plan. This change is similar to another controversial subdivision project in the area, Earlsbrook, which faced appeals. Though the Harlow development wasn’t legally challenged, residents had previously registered their opposition during the private plan change. Wilshire expressed frustration, feeling it was unfair to limit community objections once the plan was integrated into the District Plan.
Cloughley responded that the project was part of the District Plan review, allowing community input. “Everyone had a chance to voice their opinions during that process,” he said. He reaffirmed a commitment to engage with residents and address any ongoing concerns.
According to recent studies, the aging population is a pressing issue across many communities. In New Zealand alone, by 2034, it’s projected that nearly one in four people will be 65 or older. This shift emphasizes the need for adequate healthcare and support services, especially in smaller towns like West Melton.
Public sentiment on social media also reflects a mix of apprehension and hope. Many residents share their worries about resources being stretched, while others appreciate plans for new facilities that could benefit the community.
As West Melton navigates this change, the balancing act of welcoming new developments while ensuring existing residents have access to essential services will be crucial.
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