Aileen Hulbert, Geoff Pearson, Susan Ryan and fellow nearby residents who oppose the the proposed development for a 90 unitl development at 94 Kitchener Road.
Camera IconAileen Hulbert, Geoff Pearson, Susan Ryan and fellow nearby residents who oppose the the proposed development for a 90 unitl development at 94 Kitchener Road. Credit: Supplied/Matthew Poon

Plan angers residents

Staff ReporterMelville Gazette

Traffic and parking, size, scale, lack of privacy and the bulk of the development are just some of the concerns surrounding residents have.

The application for a 90-unit, four-storey development on 94 Kitchener Road has been submitted to the City of Melville, and last month the City notified eight-surrounding residents of the proposal as part of the two-week public consultation period.

In the letter, it said the application by Tuscom was for a 13.5m high development instead of the present 9m limit, and would have a floor space double the regulated size.

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Locals are angry that just eight residents were sent the letter and information.

‘I live three doors away from the proposed complex, how does this not concern me?’ David Rayfield of Kitchener Road asked.

Another resident said locals first heard about the proposed development when their neighbours who received the letter, doorknocked surrounding houses.

City chief executive Shayne Silcox said the City received the application on February 7 and notified the necessary residents.

‘The owners of all properties that adjoin the site, as well as those owners of properties located opposite the site on the other side of the two streets, have received written notification to advise them of the development proposal,’ he said.

Dr Silcox said the decision would not be made by the City but it would make a report with its findings to the Development Assessment Panel for consideration.

Because the development is more than $7 million, the DAP will be deciding on it.

At two meetings last week, attended by more than 60 locals, residents aired their concerns that the proposal could set a dangerous precedent for similar projects, and would completely change the character of the area.

It resulted in a 350-signature petition, which was due to be presented to City before the submission period closed yesterday.

Marina Hansen, of Mullings Way, described the suburb as a small, quiet residential area.

She said the proposed development would invade privacy, create congestion and did not fit in to the character of the area.

Geoff Pearson said residents were not opposed to development but this proposal was ‘plain and simply’ too big and out of keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood.