Residents firmly against ‘intrusive’ building

Mike Allen Planning consultant Mike Allen, speaking on behalf of Bahama Close residents, said there were concerns with the ‘scale and bulk of the building’.

He said there was only 7.5m between the boundary of houses on the north side and the building.

‘In our view, this makes the building incompatible with its surroundings,’ Mr Allen said.

Resident Ray Warnes said the ‘imposing building’ distracted from the character of Bahama Close.

‘It removes the openness that we’re used to in having a coastal residential street,’ he said.

He said an increase in traffic was also a concern, given the street had experienced traffic and parking issues. He suggested the development could be relocated farther south on the oval.

Joondalup councillor Mike Norman asked what the disadvantage would be if the building did not include the 4m fill.

MGA Town Planning consultant Peter Goff said it would affect disabled access.

Mr Allen said while removing the fill would lower the building, it would still exceed the 10m maximum as stated in the City of Joondalup’s coastal policy.

‘We’d still have a building that’s almost 12m high and only set back 7.5m from the boundary,’ he said.

‘It will still be visually intrusive and prominent ” it’s still a bulky building.’

Mr Goff said the height of the proposed building was consistent with neighbouring residential properties and would sit below other school buildings.

‘It is a school ” school buildings by their very nature are relatively bulky compared to residential houses,’ he said.

‘Being on the south side, it doesn’t have any shadow impact and overall, the amenity impacts are very minor, if at all.’

Alternate deputy presiding member Ian Birch said the building would have a visual impact on some residents because of the size and scale but it would be softened with trees.

‘I don’t think I’ve heard the word view mentioned but I think that’s got to be a consideration and there’s plenty of case law that says no one has got a right to a view,’ he said.

He said he did not think the building should be lowered but moving it could be an option.

‘Education is not discretionary,’ Mr Birch said.

‘We have to, as a community and a society, provide these facilities.’