Residents Raise Concerns Over Harlow Lifestyle Village Development

The development of the Harlow lifestyle village behind Shepherd Avenue in West Melton is drawing significant concerns from local residents. As developers navigate the consent process for the first stage of the project, members of the community are particularly worried about the impact on existing medical facilities.

During a recent meeting of the West Melton Residents Association, chair Sam Wilshire highlighted that the already long waiting lists at local medical centres are a pressing issue. “Waiting lists at the doctors are significantly long enough already, so who is going to cater for these people?” he questioned. The West Melton Medical Centre is currently not accepting new enrolments, further exacerbating community anxieties.

The Harlow brand is managed by Ultimate Global Group. Its chief operating officer, Lloyd Cloughley, acknowledged that medical facilities would be included in the new village, but he did not specify whether these would be part of the initial construction phase. “I can confirm that construction of GP facilities will be in the early stages of the development,” Cloughley said. He also noted that the development would occur in stages and that additional medical facilities could be incorporated should demand arise.

Despite the Harlow development not being under appeal, Wilshire mentioned that residents had previously submitted opposition to the project during the private plan change. However, they had not made submissions as part of the District Plan process, which he described as limiting their ability to voice objections. “It basically quashed anyone’s objections. I thought it was a bit sneaky,” said Wilshire.

In response, Cloughley stated, “The project was submitted under the District Plan review. All members of the community also had the opportunity to submit on this District Plan review process.” He emphasized that the current development plan remains consistent with the information presented to the residents’ association in 2022.

As the development progresses, the uncertainty surrounding medical facilities remains a critical concern for many residents. The ability to provide adequate healthcare services will be essential as the new village aims to integrate into the existing community framework. Both developers and residents appear willing to engage in dialogue to address these pressing issues, ensuring that the needs of the community are considered as the project moves forward.