Our Resource consent application got lodged on 22.12.1999, exactly the day it had been scheduled to. The application document is about 2 inches thick, and represented the culmination of 6 months work assembling preliminary designs and costings.
We commissioned our engineer and wastewater consultant to prepare a report outlining the feasibility of onsite rainwater collection and on site wastewater treatment. Both technical and political issues are requiring an element of pioneering. A major report on this subject was also prepared by Council's Ecowater division evaluating costs and benefits of these new technologies. Indications were that higher up front capital costs will pay back quickly, and are theoretically much cheaper options compared with the traditional engineered pump it to the ocean/pump it from the Waikato solutions.
Bill was chosen for his work designing schools and retirement villages, and is also known for his work in the Rudolf Steiner field. The group of early residents spent 8 weeks in May and June establishing the project design brief. This proved to be an invaluable period of consolidating the project vision and finding common ground for residents in terms of the shape the development would take. The resident involvement in the design stage will ensure the design reflects resident's actual needs. A comprehensive document resulted which would serve to guide both the architect and the group in all later design decisions.
Project management firm Promanco Kenman Limited were engaged to keep a firm grip on the project costs, and timeline.
The land in Swanson Rd had been formerly owned by the Prideaux family, two generations of orchardists. It is understood they were keen organic growers and had no wish to see 'masses of ticky tacky boxes' on the land. Areas of native bush which were planted by Mr Prideaux will with much pleasure be retained as part of the Eco-Neighbourhood.
The site while further out than we had been looking, exhibited most of the criteria that were sought.
Mindful of Auckland's infrastructure challenges the project group relished the chance to help put into effect the Auckland Regional Growth Forum's urban containment strategy of revitalising transit enabled town centres. Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood stands in good stead to be a positive example of medium density housing, and an inspirational model of sustainable urban living in cities.