A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for Highgate has been approved by the Metro West Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP).
The multi-level residential complex planned for Wright Street was originally rejected by Vincent council and JDAP, before mediation through the State Administrative Tribunal led to a revised plan, which was also rejected by the council.
The second plan came before JDAP last Thursday and was approved.
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READ NOWHighgate resident James Singh, from the group Right For Wright, said the group was “extremely disappointed” JDAP had “ignored the views of the community and the council”.
Mr Singh claimed the JDAP chairperson, Megan Adair, had “relied heavily on her private discussions with the developer during the closed SAT process in coming to her view”.
He said JDAP process needs to be reviewed by the State Government because it “puts decision making in the hands of unelected and irresponsible people”.
A spokesman for developer Momentum Wealth said the company aimed “to create a high-quality development… that complements and enhances the existing streetscape”.
“We are pleased that the outcome of JDAP was positive and recognises and supports the project and our belief in the benefits it will bring to the community… we will continue to engage with local residents and the City of Vincent to achieve the best outcome,” he said.
Right for Wright member Mario Tascone said the previous refusal from JDAP stated “a three storey development was the most appropriate building height for this site”.
“They did a complete back flip on their decision from the December… This system is truly flawed, weighted to developers and inconsiderate to the community,” he said.
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