RESIDENTS opposed to the current plans to redevelop Midland Oval are camping out at the site following reports bulldozers are expected to start carving up the ground this week.
Midland District Community Group spokesman and heritage architect Patrick Irwin criticised the City of Swan’s decision to instruct De Mol Investments to proceed with putting a road through Midland Oval, before a special meeting of electors later this month.
“This is a bullying tactic by the City who are refusing to listen to us that we need a better design that retains public open green space as a central park,” he said.
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READ NOW“We want Local Government Minister David Templeman to step in.”
Midland MLA Michelle Roberts said she was ‘utterly disappointed’ the City was proceeding with the road, given the strong community opposition to their development proposal.
“Cutting a road through the oval compromises the opportunity to have significant parkland in our city centre,” she said.
“A special meeting of electors has been called to address legit planning concerns in a bid to get better amenity and a better design for residents.
“The council still does not have a ratified business plan for the 11ha development and the business plan’s public comment period is still open so rushing through a road at this point is yet another example of the City’s ad hoc planning approach.
“This approach to planning fails to engender confidence in the City’s ability to do a carefully considered development that hits the mark for Midland.”
The special electors meeting will be held on June 18 at 5.30pm at the Midland Town Hall.
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