
Four-storey development deferred for up to 120 days
Members of the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel refused an officer's recommendation last Wednesday to give an extension to the development on Wilcock Street in Ardross.
The development was initially approved in 2018 and due to COVID-19 an automatic extension was granted for four years, taking the approved application until March 2024.
Lateral Planning had requested a further extension as no 'substantial development' had occurred.
It also amended the development application, including increasing the number of multiple dwellings from three to five, reducing commercial tenancies from three to two, adding an undercroft for car parking motorcycle parking, and increasing the height by about 50cm.
City of Melville councillor Daniel Lim said the changes were 'significant' and was concerned there had not been any community consultation.
'The open areas, the parking and the look of the building are substantially different,' he said.
Cr Matthew Woodall said it could be argued either way that the plans were a 'substantial modification'.
'However, on balance I lean towards the city officers' recommendation position, which is that this is substantial,' he said.
Daniel Hollingworth from Lateral Planning spoke about the struggles with getting the development started, referencing 'long COVID' and price increases in housing and construction.
Panel member John Syme said that he did not support the recommendation to refuse the extension, and instead said that he would like to see it approved.
'I don't think the planning framework hasn't changed sufficient for us not to approve this,' he said.
'In the construction world we are still looking at the long COVID effects, which is settling down now but has taken a long time to do.'
Deputy presiding member Francesca Lefante proposed deferring making a decision.
Panel members voted unanimously in support of the deferral, giving the city and the applicant up to 120 days to re-assess and consult the community.
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