Artists’ impression of the proposed 10-storey development on 117 – 119 Lockhart Street in Como.
Camera IconArtists’ impression of the proposed 10-storey development on 117 – 119 Lockhart Street in Como. Credit: Supplied/Hillam Architects

Como: Metro Central JDAP refuse 10-storey on Lockhart St

Nadia BudihardjoSouthern Gazette

METRO Central Joint Development Assessment Panel has refused a 10-storey development for being ‘out of character’ on Lockhart Street today.

Hillam Architects applied for the 10-storey development of 84 dwellings, a communal roof terrace and a 2-3 storey podium on 117 – 119 Lockhart Street in Como.

The original officer recommendation was for JDAP to approve the application, the first to be considered in the South Perth section of the Canning Bridge Activity Centre.

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Cr Colin Cala provided an alternative recommendation for JDAP to refuse the application for being out of context with the surrounding residential dwellings.

“It’s not the height, it’s the whole nature of the building which is totally out of character with the streetscape,” he said.

Cr Cala said there were few guidelines in the Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan on addressing the transition from low to a higher density.

Adjoining resident Kellie Garland said the building would look like it had been dumped in a suburban street.

“We’re excited by the intent of the Activity Centre Plan, we just feel it’s the wrong type of building in this type of location,” she said.

Planning Solutions director Ben Doyle said to reject the application was to undermine the objectives of the Activity Centre Plan.

“The design must respond first and foremost to the future character of the area,” he said.

Presiding member Megan Adair supported the original officer recommendation but acknowledged the flaws of the Activity Centre Plan.

“It may not be the optimum outcome, however, it is what has been agreed as the desired outcome,” she said.

Metro Central JDAP will decide on a five-storey development application on Lockhart Street this Friday.