THERE is fear development could occur on the Mosman Park-Cottesloe border, after State Government asset sales prompted a rezoning proposal.
Department of Lands has proposed rezoning of historic McCall Centre land on Curtin Avenue for urban use, sparking a negative reaction from opponents who do not want to see development on the land.
Rezoning the land could potentially create prime beachfront property if Curtin Avenue is ever realigned along the adjacent Fremantle railway line.“That’s what concerns me, that they initiate it as a development zone because that’s what realises the most money,” Cottesloe councillor Sandra Boulter said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWLeighton Action Coalition spokeswoman Sue Harrington said rezoning could be “ad-hoc planning for a quick buck” if .
At Cottesloe council last week, councillors were asked to comment on the Department starting its process to change zoning for the centre’s lot 346 , and potentially lot 225 hosting the Beehive Montessori School, which is negotiating with the Government about its future after its lease expires in December 2017.
Principal Rhonda Sheehan said she was concerned a new property owner or commercial developer could affect the school’s development plans.
She also questioned why Cottesloe council had included the site in potential comment when the Department removed it following opposition from Mosman Park, which voted to support the school in July.
Mosman Park Mayor Ron Norris said rezoning meant the lots could be used for “anything”, but said nothing should be done until Curtin Avenue’s realignment was resolved, after the $40m allotted for the project was withdrawn in the May State Budget.
A Department of Lands spokesman said the McCall Centre was surplus in the Land Asset Sales Program from June 2015, while the school was proposed to remain.
Future uses for the lots would be subject to “normal” land use planning and rezoning processes.
The spokesman said the rezoning was not happening because Curtin realignment funds were withdrawn, and the Department was not aware of any understanding adjacent land could be used for community purposes including an amphitheatre.
After Cottesloe council staff said comments may not reach the department by the September 2 deadline, councillors agreed rezoning be advertised to ratepayers, a briefing held with other councillors, and an extension for comment requested.