Community anxiety has become city-wide, with the emergence of opposition to Housing NSW’s proposals for double-storey unit complexes on Barton Street, East Maitland, and at Thornton on Government Road and Glenroy Street.

Hunter-based Liberal MLC Robyn Parker said Barton Street residents had written to Maitland MP Frank Terenzini and Housing NSW, but had received no response.

That was in contrast to residents neighbouring proposals at Gillies Street, Rutherford, and Flinders Street, East Maitland, where representatives from Housing NSW and housing minister David Borger, along with Mr Terenzini, met with residents on Tuesday.

Ms Parker, who was also at the meetings, said the situation reinforced the need for better consultation from Housing NSW about their plans, which are exempt from council approval.

She will meet with Thornton residents about the issue this afternoon, and Barton Street residents on Saturday.

“In the first instance the whole thing is about bulldozing over people’s rights,” Ms Parker said.

“The residents in Barton Street have written to Maitland MP Frank Terenzini and Housing NSW, and they have sent a petition.

“But they’ve got no response.

“It shouldn’t just be the squeaky wheel (that gets the oil).

“Housing NSW should have consulted with people (about all developments) the same way the council does.”

Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore was at the meeting with residents on Tuesday.

He said, under the council development application process, residents were given the opportunity to comment on whether a development would affect the enjoyment of their land.

“Now the State Government has taken away that power, and with a big stick has said Housing NSW doesn’t have to go through council,” he said yesterday.

“These people aren’t whingers: they get this opportunity through the council, so why doesn’t the same thing apply to Housing NSW?”

Mr Terenzini was unavailable for comment yesterday.