An application to build a 14-unit residential development in Macedon Place has been deferred.
Camera IconAn application to build a 14-unit residential development in Macedon Place has been deferred. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Craigie units development deferred

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

A 14-UNIT residential development proposed for Craigie has been deferred.

The application, which was recommended for approval at Tuesday’s Joondalup council meeting, proposed to amalgamate 33 and 35 Macedon Place to build eight two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units with 14 on-site parking bays for residents and three for visitors and another three visitor bays on the verge.

The aim on the 1381sqm site, which currently has two separate houses, has a residential density of R20/R40 and is part of a housing opportunity area, is to increase density in areas near train stations, public transport and shopping centres to meet State Government infill targets.

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The council document said the proposal was “generally compliant… however a number of minor discretions are sought in relation to plot ratio, visitor car parking, lot boundary setbacks, landscaping, retaining walls and visual privacy”.

The application from Claudia Bornia was advertised to surrounding affected landowners with three objections received.

Concerns raised included parking and traffic congestion, overshadowing, having too many dwellings on the property and reduced landscaping impacting the streetscape.

“However, it is considered that the development meets the requirements of the applicable planning framework and does not significantly impact surrounding or nearby landowners,” the document said.

“It is therefore recommended that the council approves the application, subject to conditions.”

At the meeting, Craigie Resident and Community Association deputy chairman Mike Stringfellow said residents supported “appropriate high quality affordable development”, and this proposal was not that. “Macedon Place is exclusively single-storey detached houses,” he said.

“The bulk and scale of this development’s built form is many times greater than anything else.

“This is a quiet suburban family area, not a city centre where lifestyle units are in demand.”

Cr Liam Gobbert moved to refuse the application to “send a strong message” to developers.

But Cr John Chester believed the council should defer to allow the developer to “come back with some modifications”.

Planning and community development director Dale Page said if the proposal was refused, the applicant could still appeal the decision through the State Administrative Tribunal or lodge another application.

She said if it was deferred, the applicant could make changes that would be re-advertised to affected landowners, with another report to council where there was still the option to refuse.

However, she said it would not take much to bring the areas of discretion in to compliance, meaning the look and feel of the development could potentially not change.

Councillors first voted to approve the application, as recommended, which was lost 1-11 with Cr Christine Hamilton-Prime voting for.

The vote to refuse was then tied 6-6. Mayor Troy Pickard used his deciding vote against the motion,  along with Crs Hamilton-Prime, Tom McLean, Nige Jones, John Chester and Sophie Dwyer.

He said he was “interested in engaging with the developer”.

The final vote to defer the item was unanimously passed.

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