VINCENT Mayor Emma Cole says the decision of the Joint Development Approvals Panel (JDAP) to green-light a five-level residential complex for Highgate highlights the need for third party appeal rights.
The proposal for Wright Street was rejected by Vincent council initially, then rejected by the West Metro JDAP before the State Administrative Tribunal ordered mediation between the local residents and the proponents, Momentum Wealth.
Momentum submitted revised plans which were rejected again by the council, before JDAP approved the new plans at a meeting earlier this month.
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READ NOWMs Cole said the decision showed the need for third party appeal rights at JDAP.
“It has been incredibly disappointing all round, for the community and for the City of Vincent. If we had third party appeal rights this is the sort of decision we would appeal because we would have a good case,” she said.
“Next Tuesday a briefing will be put before council to prepare for a decision on June 27 (on third party appeal rights) – this highlights the need for those rights. This case demonstrates that need.”
The Mayor said the JDAP had “veered into making a decision on what the policy direction for the City of Vincent should be” rather than following what the policy is.
“As a community and a council we had decided that area (of Highgate) is not to be a transitional area, (hence there) three-level limit,” she said.
A spokesman for Momentum Wealth said the company was pleased with the JDAP decision and defended the project.
“Our aim from the outset has been to create a high-quality development… that complements and enhances the existing streetscape and that the city and community can be proud of.
“Going forward, we will continue to engage with local residents and the City of Vincent to achieve the best outcome for all stakeholders,” he said.
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