’It’s too big, you can’t build $22.5m apartments here’: Development Assessment Commission knocks back plan

IN a surprise move, a bid to build a $22.5 million apartment complex in Adelaide’s east has been rejected, to the relief of neighbours who vehemently opposed the development.

Developers are looking to build a $22.5 million apartment complex on Gameau Road, Paradise, right next to the Paradise Interchange.

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PLANS for a $22.5 million apartment complex in Paradise have been rejected, to the relief of neighbours who vehemently opposed the development.

The State Government’s Development Assessment Commission (DAC) last night knocked back Barrio Developments’ plan for the four-storey Gameau Rd complex, saying it was too large for the area and significantly at odds with Campbelltown Council’s development plan.

Woodmere Ave resident Kym Tilbrook — who, with wife Julie, led resident opposition to the development — was pleased the DAC had knocked back the complex.

“It has been a long, hard fight by residents to protect their unique patch of Paradise,” Mr Tilbrook said.

“Residents are not anti-development. They just wanted the developer to stick to the Campbelltown Development Plan.

Developers are looking to build a $22.5 million apartment complex on Gameau Road, Paradise, right next to the Paradise Interchange.

“It would have destroyed the character of the area. It is just plain wrong for the area.”

The development was to include more than 120 apartments — 75 of those student accommodation units — a gym, supermarket and medical clinic.

The DAC received more than 130 submissions on the plans — only 21 of those in favour of the development.

Greenglade Drive resident Tony Uren said the complex was too large for the residential site.

“We are not against a development on the site, but the original five storeys just exceeded the limit by too much,” Mr Uren said.

Developers are looking to build a $22.5 million apartment complex on Gameau Road, Paradise, right next to the Paradise Interchange.

Campeblltown Mayor Simon Brewer said the DAC had made the right decision.

“I commend the residents for taking the fight to them with such vigour,” Mr Brewer said.

“The development plan is very clear about where this type of development can be and developers should stay within those bounds.”

Hartley state Liberal MP Vincent Tarzia agreed: “The majority of local residents who approached me were vocal in their opposition.”

Paradise Interchange. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe.

Barrio Developments director Glen Vollebregt said those who were against the project “misunderstood” what the company was trying to achieve.

He did not say whether his company would appeal the decision.

“The rest of Adelaide largely agrees this is a superb project, a benchmark for others,” Mr Vollebregt said.

“Wider public perception is that there are just a few … who misunderstand the project and trying to stop something which is really good for our state’s economy and our environment.”