It’s a slap in the face: Why this $22.5m apartment complex has locals so angry
MORE than 100 residents have packed their local council chambers to protest a proposed four-storey, $22.5m apartment complex next to a bus interchange, describing the plan as “a slap in the face”.
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MORE than 100 residents have packed Campbelltown Council’s chambers to protest a proposed four-storey, $22.5 million apartment complex next to Paradise Interchange.
Residents called the public meeting following concerns the proposed development, along Gameau Rd and Woodmere Ave, would pave the way for more high-rise apartments in the suburb.
Mayor Simon Brewer was forced to find more chairs as residents packed the chambers well before the meeting’s scheduled start.
During an open-floor discussion, residents fought for the opportunity to ask questions of council staff and an independent planning lawyer.
Barrio has submitted plans to the State Government’s Development Assessment Commission (DAC) to replace seven houses on the 4500sq m block with more than 120 apartments, including 75 student accommodation units, a gym, supermarket and medical clinic.
Woodmere Ave resident Julie Tilbrook, who organised the meeting, said if the development was approved, it would be the first of many in the suburb.
“If this development gets approved on this block it will be snowball effect, a house of cards, and it will spread to your streets,” Mrs Tilbrook told the meeting.
“In that little pocket of Paradise there is just over 160 homes and this development is looking to add another 128.
“There will be increased noise, traffic congestion and narrow streets blocked by parked cars.”
Mrs Tilbrook and her husband, Kym, are heading a campaign by residents to stop the apartment complex from being approved.
The group has started a petition and will write to the DAC to press its case.
Last year, Campbelltown Council amended its development plan to restrict residential buildings in Paradise to two storeys.
However, as Gameau Rd development is worth more than $3 million, it will be assessed by the DAC, bypassing the council planning approval process.
Hartley state Liberal MP Vincent Tarzia was disappointed a four-storey development was proposed for the site.
“You would remember prior to last election, stakeholders fought tooth and nail to make sure that height and density restrictions occurred in this exact part of Paradise,” Mr Tarzia told the meeting.
“Now to see this sort of thing pop up again is a slap in the face.”
Cr Marijka Ryan urged the residents to rally against the plans.
“I can just about guarantee that if you don’t take any action, this development will go ahead,” she told the meeting.
Barrio Developments director Glen Vollebregt told the East Torrens Messenger the plans addressed residents’ concerns.
“From previous discussions with neighbours, I have taken on board their suggestions and with this proposal we have designed the site so that neighbours are interfaced with mostly two-level townhouses,” Mr Vollebregt said.
“There is a common misconception that development means more cars and more traffic, however, people moving to an area such as this Gameau Rd site will be strong public transport users.”
Residents will host a second meeting at the ARC Campbelltown, 531 Lower North East Rd, on December 1, from 7pm.
Community consultation on the plan is open until December 7.
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