Meadowbrook Dr resident John Anderson said the land was on a flood plain, and building houses there would make the flood risk greater, and the land would be prone to liquefaction.
He had lived at his home for 46 years. It had been built to enjoy views of rural land, and was sited for the sun.
He said allowing houses to be built next door would block his views and his sun.
Another resident of 32 years, Ted Anderson (no relative) said his first concern was about the flood risks.
Housing would also block his sun, his views of Mt Ruapehu, and outlook onto rural land where a variety of birds were frequent visitors.