Mermaid Waters ‘glass castle’ project twist as Gold Coast council finds ‘inconsistencies’

A development that was labelled a ‘glass monstrosity’ by furious neighbours has been found to have ‘inconsistencies’ with council approval despite the owner claiming it was all approved.

Tensions have flared over the two three-storey development projects being built by Scott Koning and his wife Xumei Chi in 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 slice of paradise is ruined because the neighbouring properties are too ‘intrusive’.

Mr Hopkinson and Ms Wati said they could no longer comfortably use their pool or outdoor showers and claim the glass structure looks directly into the room they’d hoped their grandkids would stay in.

Mr Koning earlier said he didn’t care about his neighbour’s ‘little emotions’ and said he’d been granted approval for the build.

But he and his wife have since been given a letter from Gold Coast City Council saying otherwise.

Tensions have flared over the two three-storey development projects being built by Scott Koning and his wife Xumei Chi in Mermaid Waters, on the Gold Coast  

‘The City has recently issued correspondence to the applicant identifying some inconsistencies with the planning approval,’ a council spokesperson said.

‘This includes screening treatments, opening windows in locations conflicting with the approval and balcony balustrading.

‘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 completed development complies with the approved plans and that any non-compliances are rectified.’

Last month, Mr Hopkinson told A Current Affair the new duplex was so close to his home that they could ‘almost dive into our pool’.

The home on the other side of the development belongs to Rita, who has lived in her classic coastal home for 33 years.

She said her ritual of eating breakfast out by her pool has been stopped by the glass building’s construction.

‘I used to (eat breakfast by the pool) but I can’t stay out here with all this noise,’ she said, noting its windows look ‘straight in’ at her backyard.

Developers Scott Koning (right) and wife Xumei Chi (centre) were confronted about the neighbours concerns, to which Mr Koning said their ‘little emotions’ don’t matter because the neighbouring homes are old and ‘a dump’

When asked about his neighbours’ complaints, Mr Koning said: ‘I don’t care about people’s little emotions, I’m building within the law.’ 

When A Current Affair returned to the construction site this week to ask Mr Koning and his wife about the council’s letter, Ms Chi said he’d gone overseas.

She then became visibly distressed and repeatedly said her husband was not a ‘criminal’.

‘I’m very nervous you guys have hurt me,’ she said, but declined to give any explanation to the council’s warning, claiming her English wasn’t great.

There is no suggestion Mr Koning is a criminal.

‘We’ve worked hard all our lives for this. Why should we have to give up everything we’ve worked so hard for?’ Mr Hopkinson said. 

Last month tensions reached boiling point between the couple and Mr Hopkinson when he visited the duplex’s front yard.

He and Ms Wati claimed they’ve sent several emails and arranged times with Ms Chi to try and sit both sides down and reach an agreement about the property.

Neighbours have complained the ‘glass monstrosity’ has ruined their privacy

But they said each time they’ve been dismissed. 

During the heated exchange, Mr Hopkinson called Mr Koning a ‘liar’ and his wife a ‘lying b****’.

Mr Koning then began aggressively moving toward Mr Hopkinson while Ms Chi yelled and separated them.

After the confrontation, Mr Koning said it didn’t matter what his neighbours thought of the duplex.

‘That (Mr Hopkinson and Ms Wati’s home) is gonna get pulled down relatively soon one would imagine being its age, next door (Rita’s home) – well it’s a dump so it’ll get pulled down at some stage too,’ 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.