Approval has been granted to build over 400 new homes in north Orewa.

Originally, 467 residential units were planned to be built in the Strathmill subdivision of West Hoe Heights, but it was reduced to 433 and will include a local park on the 24.3ha site.

The developer, Shildon Ltd, sought resource consent through a fast-track building application and was thrilled when it was approved.

They have plans to maintain harmony in the neighbourhood as they have enlarged the property boundaries and redesigned the homes to blend into the area’s character.

Some neighbouring residents are not happy about how the development was approved and say it should have gone through the normal public notification process, and not through fast-track approval.

They are also up in arms as the amount of homes is excessive for the area.

At first, the developer wanted to build 201 homes, but that number has more than doubled. 

It is not known when earthworks will start, and the decision is subject to possible appeal in the High Court.

Strathmill will have 424 standalone homes, seven terraced homes and two duplex units.

The standalone homes will range from two to 5-bedrooms.