OTR ordered to report environmental issues in helipad plan
Plans for a helipad on the new headquarters of petrol station giant OTR will first need to clear any environmental hurdles with the State Government.
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Petrol station giant OTR has been ordered to report any potential environmental issues with its proposal to construct a helicopter pad on top of its new Kensington headquarters.
Parent company Peregrine Corporation lodged plans with the State Planning Commission for a landing pad on its new $50 million, seven-storey office block in October.
The State Government has asked Peregrine to submit a Public Environmental Report, which will be made available to the public for 30 days.
OTR community partnerships manager Joann Skene said it would consult with experts in the field of aviation and architecture for the report.
“The planning department has provided us with a very detailed set of assessment guidelines setting out what we need to cover,” Ms Skene said.
Following community consultation, Peregrine can then prepare a “formal response document” addressing possible issues raised.
The helicopter pad plan has drawn an angry response from the local community, with Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council Mayor Robert Bria describing the initial proposal as “offensive” .
He said that it showed a “complete lack of respect for schools, residents and the community at large”.
“During doorknocking in Norwood and Kensington during the council elections, residents were concerned about it ... the helicopter pad was raised on many occasions,” Mr Bria said. “The feedback from residents, regarding my views, was positive. People liked what I had to say about it.”
Meanwhile, OTR will appeal an Environment, Resources and Development Court (ERD) decision to dismiss its $3 million plans for a new service station on Kensington Rd, Kensington Park.
The ERD in July upheld a State Government Planning Commission decision to reject the plans.
An initial hearing in the Supreme Court has been set for February 4.
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