Deferral for Quarry Street rezoning

A PROPOSAL to change height limits along Quarry Street has been deferred.

There was spirited debate at Fremantle Council last Wednesday when councillors considered a report to rezone lot 7, 9-15 Quarry Street, with a recommendation to allow four storeys and up to 48 dwellings.

Members of the public raised their concerns about the density and the height and asked councillors to consider a lower level which could allow for 34 dwellings.

Residents in the area described the site as iconic, with heritage buildings and links to Fremantle Park.

A resident also said extra dwellings could make traffic and parking a burden.

The debate, which lasted over an hour, saw councillors go through may options with a scheme amendment and deferral discussed.

Councillor Jon Strachan said they were fighting for the best outcome for the people around it but raised concerns about going to the West Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) with a zoning which would allow less dwellings.

“It would be doomed to failure,” he said.

Options were discussed to keep a high-density zone but to put caveats and restrictions to ensure greater open space requirements and links with Fremantle Park.

Councillor Adin Lang put forward a motion to defer to allow for more consultation.

Councillor Andrew Sullivan said they hadn’t fundamentally worked out what was to be achieved for the public realm or density.

The council voted to defer the scheme amendment and refer it to Strategic, Planning and Transport committee.