Concern side streets could suffer

Local residents have until March 31 to submit comments to council on its proposal to amend Town Planning Scheme No 1 to allow multiple dwellings on residential zoned lots 1, 2 and 137-141, which face the blank 12m high rear wall of the Park Centre.

Local Barb Piercy said she and other locals were not against development but were concerned the amendment would set a precedent for other side streets off Albany Highway and Berwick Street.

Loss of privacy, sunlight, property value and an increase in noise and parking/traffic congestion were residents’ main concerns.

‘Real estate agents have said we can expect reduction of property values between $100,000-$150,000. Will the council compensate us for that,’ she said.

Council received a formal request for the amendment from owners of the Basinghall Street lots last November, in an effort to allow multiple dwellings on the site, which can not be accommodated under the current R30 zoning.

A Town report states that council’s Urban Planning Business Unit recognised the need to ensure the amenity of the adjoining properties was protected.

‘Setbacks and height controls provided for by the Detailed Area Plan have been determined through an assessment of overshadowing of the adjoining residential properties and ensuring any impacts on the(ir) amenity’