‘These residents are extremely disappointed’: anger over $22.5m apartments planned next to Paradise Interchange

ANGRY residents say they’ll do anything in their power to stop a planned multi-storey, $22.5 million apartment complex that’s planned near a busy bus interchange.

An artist’s impression of the planned $22.5 million apartment complex on Gameau Road, Paradise.

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ANGRY residents have threatened to take legal action against plans for a multi-storey, $22.5 million apartment complex proposed for land near Paradise Interchange.

The State Government’s Development Assessment Commission met last week to discuss Barrio Developments’ plans for 124 apartments, including 75 student accommodation units, a gym, supermarket and medical clinic, on the Gameau Rd site.

Dozens of concerned residents fronted the four-hour long meeting at Campbelltown Function Centre with about 30 addressing panel members.

Despite their emotion-charged objections, the DAC deferred making a decision.

Woodmere Ave resident Kym Tilbrook said, should the plans be approved, residents would consider an appeal to the Environment, Resources and Development Court.

The proposal has long been mooted as a four-storey development although some residents believe it could extend to five.

“The residents are extremely disappointed,” Mr Tilbrook said.

“The proposed development fails to meet Campbelltown Council’s development plan’s requirements of allotment size and height and does not satisfy the desired character statement.

“So it’s a real surprise and a kick in the guts for residents to find the planner still believes it should go ahead.”

Residents aren’t happy about a plan to build a multi-storey apartment complex next to the Paradise Interchange.

Norman St resident Teresa Cusano feared the complex would cause major safety issues because of an increase in traffic congestion and lack of parking.

“They (the developers) are saying it’s a really good thing for the students and for affordable housing,” Ms Cusano said.

“But it’s all good on their side, but not for us.

“This is not what we want.”

Last year, Campbelltown Council amended its development plan to restrict residential buildings in Paradise to two storeys.

Residents are concerned the proposed development doesn’t fit in with the area’s character.

However, as the Gameau Rd development is worth more than $3 million, it was able to be assessed by the DAC, bypassing the council approval process.

Campbelltown councillor Marijka Ryan, who attended the DAC meeting, has previously described the plans as “diabolic”.

After last week’s deputations, DAC presiding member Simone Fogarty said she was not “in a position to give an indication of when a decision would be made”.

Speaking after the meeting, Barrio Developments director Glen Vollebregt said visitor carparking had been increased and the commercial/consulting space had been more than halved to mitigate residents’ concerns.

“This is an opportunity for both Paradise and the state to develop a world-class, transport-oriented development adjacent South Australia’s best public transport infrastructure,” Mr Vollebregt said.

“I am confident the DAC will see the merits to this innovative project and the opportunity it presents to the whole state for a benchmark transport oriented design.”