OTR lodges helipad plans for Kensington headquarters
PETROL station giant OTR has lodged plans for a helicopter pad on its new $50 million, seven-storey head office in Kensington — and the proposal is already drawing the ire from local community leaders.
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PETROL station giant OTR has lodged plans for a helicopter pad on its new $50 million, seven-storey head office in Kensington — and the proposal is already drawing the ire from local community leaders.
Parent company, Peregrine Corporation has lodge plans for “helicopter landing facilities” on the roof at the site with the State Planning Commission.
Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Mayor Robert Bria described the helipad plan as “outrageous and offensive”.
“It’s the most outrageous proposal I’ve heard in a long time,” Mr Bria said.
“It shows no understanding of the location whatsoever. It’s offensive.
“It shows a complete lack of respect for schools, residents and the community at large.
“It beggars belief, what possible benefit could it bring?
“Any person with an ounce of common sense would not see it as reasonable.
“(Planning Minister) Stephan Knoll needs to stand up and knock this rubbish on the head immediately.”
Peregrine’s blueprint for the office tower at the corner of The Parade and Portrush Rd was approved in May last year but works have not yet begun.
The company initially proposed a landing pad in its original plans but then removed it.
Peregrine said the helipad would be private and not for hire, and used for up to 10 days a year. It was intended to support activity at the Bend Motorsport Park.
A Peregrine spokesman said it was not uncommon for new commercial developments of this size to include helipads for use by tenants and support emergency services.
NP&SP councillor Christel Mex said it would be a “highly inappropriate” use of the land.
“It would be disappointing in my view to have a helicopter landing pad in the middle of Kensington,” Mrs Mex said.
“Resident have already had to deal with losing sunlight (with the proposal), and I think it’s highly inappropriate.
“I don’t know why they can’t use an Uber like everyone else.”
She urged local residents to contact their state MPs.
Kensington Residents Association secretary Andrew Dyson said it was a “total abuse of the planning system”.
“It adds insult to injury,” Mr Dyson said.
“We will strongly oppose it, as we did with their initial plans. It’s totally inappropriate for an area bordering residential.
“It seems to be one rule for the rich and another for everyone else.”
The office proposal also includes a ground floor café, five storeys of offices and a 50m indoor swimming pool on the top floor.
A spokesman for Planning Minister Stephan Knoll said the proposal was “going through the regular planning process”.
“The next step will involve the independent State Planning Commission setting the level of assessment and guidelines which will be publicly released,” the spokesman said.
“Following this, the proponent will need to prepare detailed documentation and advice which appropriately responds to the guidelines.
“Once this is received and determined to be adequate for consultation, it will be publicly released for formal consultation.”
Peregrine has been sought for comment on the helicopter pad plans.
The building was opposed by the NP&SP council and local residents groups last year, fearing it would ruin the historic character of the precinct.
Peregrine Corporation’s executive chairman Yasser Shahin said in February last year work would start “almost immediately” and be completed within two years.