Metro Central JDAP has given its support to a $6 million, four-storey build proposed for the southern pocket of the Willcock Street and Riseley Street roundabout in Ardross.
Camera IconMetro Central JDAP has given its support to a $6 million, four-storey build proposed for the southern pocket of the Willcock Street and Riseley Street roundabout in Ardross. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

JDAP gives go-ahead to $6 million, four-storey development in Ardross

Bryce LuffMelville Gazette

A STRIKING mixed-use development in Ardross has received the backing of the Metro Central Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP), despite a tight vote.

The $6 million, four-storey proposal – put forward by Exal Group – will include 24 dwellings and five commercial tenancies on the southern pocket of the Willcock Street and Riseley Street roundabout.

In a responsible authority report (RAR) put forward by the City of Melville, urban planning director Steve Cope backed conditional planning approval on the basis the proposal satisfied all but five provisions.

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Two of those related to the building’s height and number of parking bays for the commercial tenancies.

Mr Cope said the prominence of the fourth storey was eased by its reduced floor space compared to the lower levels, while the design of the building meant it was aesthetically pleasing with “a high level of street engagement”.

In the RAR, Mr Cope said the commercial aspect of the development required 17 car bays to be provided, while only eight were proposed.

He said there was a clause that allowed a shortfall of on-site car parking to be accommodated through a cash-in-lieu payment.

“In this instance the provision of cash-in-lieu of eight bays is appropriate as the property is within an Activity Centre within which several areas of publically available parking have been identified for potential use by commercial patrons,” he said.

“Furthermore, the lot is well serviced by public transport (and is) located directly on a high frequency bus route.”

Melville councillor Nicole Robins voted against it, saying the proposal looked nice architecturally but “when I see a table with lots of ways in which the deemed-to-comply provisions aren’t met, it raises flags for me”.

“I don’t think that it will contribute to the area in a positive way because I think the envelope has been pushed a little bit too far in too many ways,” she said.

Melville councillor Tim Barling also voted against the proposal, with his main concern the fourth storey.

He felt the southern elevation was too visible.JDAP presiding member Charles Johnson spoke in favour of the RAR, which the JDAP backed 3 – 2 on March 8.

“I think the issue of the design and the additional floor is mitigated by its reduced visibility and impact,” he said.

“I understand the arguments about car parking.

“I would certainly be encouraging the City to seriously look at accumulating these cash in lieu funds to actually build car parking.”

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