'We’re not sure what to do next': Couple fail to stop housing units that could block solar panels

A Christchurch couple have failed to stop the construction of a two storey housing unit complex next door with concerns it will cover their solar panels.

Corrine and Athol O’Connor spoke in February about their worries for planned development next to their Somerfield property.

• Housing units could affect couple’s reliance on solar panels

Now they’ve found out five two storey units will be constructed next door, with two adjoining their property.

“We don’t want two storey, we’re quite happy for them to build single storey, they could put at least three on there,” Corrine said.

She said she has been emailing Christchurch City Council to find out if the planned two-storey units will cover the solar panels used to power their day-to-day living.

She was told in an email the units adjoining her property fit comfortably within the 8m maximum height limit.

“While there are some small recession plane breaches on the western elevation of the development units 4 and 5 adjoining your property comply with the recession planes,” the email said.

“Thus council was unable to further consider shading effects on your property.

“The recession planes set out in the district plan do not protect all sunlight. Some shading between buildings on sites will still occur, the recession planes just set acceptable parameters for this,” said city council head of planning and consents John Higgins.

The O’Connors were told by the property manager of the house next door that it was being leased until May-June before being pulled down, but the city council wasn’t able to say when construction would begin as no building consent has been applied for.

Corrine said she and Athol have considered moving but after looking at the prices of houses, decided it was too much.

“We don’t want to move,” Corrine said.

“We don’t want to take on another mortgage at this stage of life. It is frustrating.”

The couple also looked into getting their solar panels raised but said the cost would be too excessive.

“We’re just sick of getting nowhere and no one talking to us,” Corrine said.

“We’re not sure what to do next.”