Steel giant Esco Corporation is considering its options after learning residential apartments have been approved just metres from its Dunedin foundry in the city's industrial-wharf district.
The company previously hinted that having people living so close could have a serious effect on its Dunedin operation.
During the consent hearing process it gave examples of having to shut down parts of its Brisbane and Portland operations, which it attributed in part to residential development in the industrial areas where it operated.
The Dunedin City Council last week granted consent for 24 apartments to be built in a historic warehouse building in Thomas Burns St, across the road from Esco's foundry in Cresswell St.
Esco Dunedin site manager Dean Taig said yesterday the company was still working through the details of the decision.
Opponents of the plan, mainly industrial businesses in the vicinity, were concerned about reverse sensitivity issues - that people choosing to live in the area might eventually have complaints about noise and smells, despite no-complaints covenents, insulation and ventilation measures.
The council, however, is confident such measures will be adequate to prevent that happening.
