Butler development stymied by parking lot numbers, poor landscaping

Design Management Group had proposed a 105-unit apartment block at 200 Butler Boulevard.

The City of Wanneroo’s report recommended approving the $15.3 million project subject to 12 conditions, including increasing the number of visitor car park bays and installing lighting along driveways, pedestrian pathways and common service areas.

The applicant sought to remove the condition concerning visitor parking at the panel’s August 12 meeting, which was not supported by City officers and panel members.

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Specialist member Fred Zuideveld said he was concerned with the design of the residents’ car park because pedestrians would have to walk through it to reach the apartments.

Presiding member Karen Hyde said there was very little in the way of landscaping shown on the design and indicated she would have preferred more green spaces.

Wanneroo councillor Russell Driver moved a motion to approve the development, seconded by Cr Frank Cvitan but no other members gave their support.

Ms Hyde said the proposal was “barely a pass” and after a subsequent move to approve it subject to amended condition was lost, deputy presiding member Paul Drechsler secured majority support for a motion to refuse the application, with Crs Driver and Cvitan voting against.

Mr Drechsler and Mr Zuideveld both described the design as “sub-optimal” and the former said there was “mediocre landscape space”.

The reasons given for refusal included concern about the apartments abutting Bruff Lane, visual amenity of the building, noise generated from waste collection and pedestrian access.