David Lee and Sandra Sjollema with other Meltham Matters Group members.
Andrew Ritchie        www.communitypix.com.au   d469113
Camera IconDavid Lee and Sandra Sjollema with other Meltham Matters Group members. Andrew Ritchie        www.communitypix.com.au d469113 Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie        www.communitypix.com.au d469113

Meltham station plans concerns residents group

Toyah ShakespeareEastern Reporter

RESIDENTS are urging Bayswater council to reject a plan that would allow “cliff face” development around Meltham station, ahead of a meeting tonight.

A Meltham station structure plan – which aims to increase density up to six storeys 300m around the station – has been prepared by Planning Solutions on behalf of Bayswater JV, a joint venture between Pindan and the owners of four lots on Grand Promenade and Hotham Street.

Pindan proposes to build 70-110 residential apartments on a 3503sq m Grand Promenade lot.

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It is the first developer-driven structure plan to go before council, and the WA Planning Commission has the final authority.

Meltham Matters group member David Lee said residents were concerned that an increase in density could allow an extra 5000 residents in the area, which would put pressure on services, infrastructure and cause street congestion.

“The zoning proposed allows them to build six storeys. Imagine six storeys on the top of the hill, it’s like a cliff face,” he said.

“The designs are predominantly one and two-bedroom apartments, there’s a real risk it will simply be investments or Airbnb.

“I think in principle, the residents of Hotham Street are not against development, but we think it’s development that needs to fit in with the existing amenity of the community.”

A City officer has recommended the council does not accept the plan due to issues with the boundary, building heights, open space and road upgrades “resolved to the satisfaction of the City”.

Some 355 submissions were received, 83 supported the structure plan, 52 supported the structure plan if modified, 151 did not support the structure plan, 59 did not support the structure plan but suggested modifications if it were to be approved and `10 provided general comment.

If the WAPC does approve the plan, the officer has recommended the council request a host of modifications to the plan.

Pindan director of development management Nick Allingame said the area had been identified in state and local strategic plans as being suitable for higher density mixed-use development.

“The structure plan has been carefully considered to focus more intensive development around the train station with more modest development in the precinct frame areas to ensure development suitably interfaces with the surrounding residential area that is not within the structure plan boundaries,” he said.

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