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A development that was labeled a “glass eyesore” by irate neighbors was found to have “inconsistencies” with council approval despite the owner claiming everything was approved.
Tensions have flared over the two three-story development projects being built by Scott Koning and his wife Xumei Chi at Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast.
Sydney couple Gary Hopkinson and Bijma Wati bought their home in the area with plans to retire, but now say their piece of paradise is ruined because neighboring properties are too “intrusive.”
Mr Hopkinson and Ms Wati said they could no longer comfortably use their pool or outdoor showers and say the glass structure leads directly into the room where they expected their grandchildren to stay.
Koning previously said he didn’t care about his neighbor’s “little emotions” and said he had been granted approval to build.
But he and his wife received a letter from the Gold Coast City Council saying otherwise.
Tensions have flared over the two three-story development projects being built by Scott Koning and his wife Xumei Chi at Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast.
‘The City recently sent a correspondence to the applicant identifying some inconsistencies with the planning approval,” a council spokesperson said.
‘This includes screening treatments, opening windows in locations in conflict with approval and balcony balustrade.
‘The development is not yet complete and is still under construction. The City will continue to monitor the progress of the development to ensure that the entire development complies with the approved plans and that any non-compliance is rectified.’
Last month, Hopkinson said a current affair the new duplex was so close to their house that they “could almost jump into our pool.”
The house on the other side of the development belongs to Rita, who has lived in her classic coastal home for 33 years.
She said her poolside breakfast ritual has been halted by the construction of the glass building.
“I used to (eat breakfast by the pool), but I can’t stay here with all this noise,” she said, noting that the windows look “straight” into her backyard.
Developers Scott Koning (right) and his wife Xumei Chi (center) addressed concerns from neighbors, to which Koning said their “little emotions” don’t matter because the neighboring houses are old and “a dump.”
When asked about his neighbors’ complaints, Mr. Koning said, “I don’t care about people’s little emotions, I am building within the law.”
When A Current Affair returned to the construction site this week to ask Koning and his wife about the advice letter, Chi said he had gone abroad.
She then became visibly distraught and repeatedly said that her husband was not a ‘criminal’.
“I’m very nervous that I’ve been hurt,” she said, but refused to give any explanation for the council’s warning, saying her English was not very good.
There is no suggestion that Mr. Koning is a criminal.
‘We’ve worked hard all our lives for this. Why do we have to give up everything we’ve worked so hard for? said Mr. Hopkinson.
Last month, tensions reached boiling point between the couple and Hopkinson when he visited the front yard of the duplex.
He and Ms. Wati claimed that they sent several emails and arranged times with Ms. Chi to try to sit both sides down and come to an agreement on the property.
Neighbors have complained that the ‘glass monstrosity’ has ruined their privacy.
But they said that every time they have been laid off.
During the heated exchange, Mr. Hopkinson called Mr. Koning a “liar” and his wife a “lying bitch.”
Mr. Koning then began moving aggressively towards Mr. Hopkinson as Ms. Chi yelled and pulled them apart.
After the confrontation, Koning said it didn’t matter what her neighbors thought of the duplex.
“That (Mr. Hopkinson and Mrs. Wati’s house) will be torn down relatively soon, one would imagine it’s their age, next door (Rita’s house), well, it’s a dump, so it’s going to be torn down as well at some point.” moment,” he said. .
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Design Vibe Pty. Ltd, where Mr Koning is a director, for comment.
Council officers will inspect the property this week.