12 May, 2022

Housing blocks planned for Barrys Point Rd

Barrys Point Rd is the latest part of Takapuna in line for intensified development, with a plan to build two six-storey apartments blocks at its northern end.

A consent application has been lodged with Auckland Council for 102 units at 7a Barrys Pt Rd, a rear site, accessed by a driveway, opposite the Countdown supermarket car-park entrance.

The relatively flat rectangular site of 3383sqm is currently home to three businesses – a mechanics garage, a car-battery company and a scaffolding shop. An automotive workshop on a separate title is at the front, along with a large pet company building, next door to the Mobil service station.

Residential development is a permitted activity on Barrys Pt Rd. Should it become more widespread, it has the potential to squeeze tradespeople further into the suburbs.

It fits well with Auckland Council moves to intensify around the Takapuna metropolitan centre and Northern busway stations, however.

The application has been made in the name of Eden Two T3 Development, a registered limited partnership company with an address in Epsom. “The proposed development will make efficient use of the existing [Business] mixed-use zoned site to create modern dwellings that contribute to Auckland’s housing supply,” it says.

The application says the rear site will be cleared to build two detached towers, with a courtyard area between them. Block A will consist of 24 two-bedroom units and Block B will have 53 two-bedroom and 25 one-bedroom units. Every unit will have a deck.

A total of 46 on-site car-parks will be provided, along with a fenced space for 108 bicycle parks and landscaping.

“The site is considered to present an opportunity for take-up of alternative transport modes to private vehicles due to proximity with public transport lines and walking distance to Takapuna metropolitan centre and several schools.”

A peak of 41-51 vehicle trips per hour was expected, which Barrys Pt Rd could cope with, the application stated.

The land use consent being sought is over-height for the zone, but the applicant said its assessment of this and several other small infringements of the applicable development standards concluded any adverse actual or potential environmental effects would be less than minor. It was consistent with the Auckland Unitary Plan, the application to council said.

A five-storey, three-building apartment complex already exists just north-west, at 130 Anzac St, bordering Fred Thomas Dr.

“This site is an example of a high-density residential activity in the immediate area,” the applicants noted.

Land on the other side of Barrys Pt Rd is part of the terrace housing and apartment building (THAB) zone.

Council planners will determine whether to grant permission and what conditions should apply.

An overlay for Defence purposes applies to the area, with an airspace designation as an approach path to Whenuapai air base, but the applicant said this did not present a consent issue.

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