Medindie residents campaign against proposed rezoning of Scottys Motel to allow seven-storey buildings

A bid to rezone the landmark Scottys Motel site in Medindie to allow a seven-storey development has outraged residents.

Medindie residents, with support of Labor’s candidate for Adelaide Lucy Hood (red jacket) are against a seven-storey development on the Scottys Motel site. Picture: Tom Huntley

A bid to rezone the Scottys Motel site to allow a seven-storey development has outraged Medindie residents who have mounted a campaign to block the plan.

Planning Minister Vickie Chapman in April approved a request by the owner to undertake a rezoning process, which could lead to demolition of the existing Medindie motel and two adjoining houses and construction of apartments, townhouses and shops.

As previously revealed by The Advertiser, the existing 9m-tall Giant Scotsman, which has adorned the building at the intersection of Nottage Tce and Main North Rd for nearly 60 years, would likely be removed.

Neighbours and wider Medindie residents have mobilised against the plan, citing concerns about overshadowing, traffic congestion and that any rezoning could open the door to high-rise development in the suburb.

Concerned residents have launched a change.org petition seeking wider community support against the rezoning push, arguing if it is approved it is “inevitable” other commercial sites on Main North Rd, Robe Tce and Nottage Tce could be rezoned for seven storeys”.

“The idea of high-density high-rise living is an abomination to the constitution of this suburb,” the petition says.

Scottys Motel at 1 Nottage Terrace, Medindie, with the "Big Scotsman" statue in 1989

Resident Kathleen Karagiannis, who lives on neighbouring Tennyson St with her husband and two children, said the existing three-storey height limit should remain.

“A seven-storey, high-density apartment block at a major intersection, featuring no nearby community or social infrastructure or green open space, is irresponsible and unsustainable,” she said.

She added a seven-storey development would overshadow neighbours, reduce privacy and change the character of the historic suburb.

“Overshadowing of residents’ homes in Tennyson Street and Victoria Ave, which back onto the Scottys Motel site, is (also) a major concern.”

Her neighbour, Debra Panatsos, was also worried that two residential blocks to the east of Scottys Motel were being included in the rezoning process.

“This sends a message to other owners of residential lots on Nottage Tce that they can demand the same right (seven storeys),” she said.

“If this was to occur, Medindie would be at risk of becoming even more of an island, ringed by buildings of up to seven storeys.”

Stuart Nunn and his wife bought their “dream house” in Medindie six months ago because of the “lovely houses”.

“I can’t stomach the thought of potentially having seven storeys of people peering in my back yard. That’s not what I had in mind for my retirement,” Mr Nunn said.

Paul Reader, who lived further away on Dutton Tce, said residents valued the heritage of the area and a three-storey height limit was in keeping with the existing character. “I think our elected representatives would be wise to listen (to concerns),” Mr Reader said.

Medindie residents Paul Reader, Cindy Butler, Peter Wiadrowski and Lucy Hood have mobilised against a proposal to rezone the Scottys Motel site. Picture: Tom Huntley

In a planning report out for public review, consultants Future Urban, on behalf of Scottys owner Yanka Shopov, include shadow diagrams that show backyards to five Tennyson Ave houses would be in shade at 4pm in winter.

Concept plans also show that any development on a 6300 sqm site could be scaled in height from seven-storeys at the front of the property to three-storeys at the rear.

The report said the site offered “significant potential” for medium density development due to its proximity to a major road, public transport and the CBD.

“The subject site has sufficient depth to ensure that an economic development could be accommodated on the land whilst respecting the interface with established dwellings,” the report says.

Labor’s candidate for the seat of Adelaide, Lucy Hood, accused incumbent member Liberal MP Rachel Sanderson of being silent on the rezoning issue.

“Residents aren’t against a redevelopment of the site – they just want to see sustainable and responsible urban planning...,” she said.

Ms Sanderson said that she had this week posted about 650 letters to “directly affected households encouraging my constituents for their input on this proposal”.

“As Member for Adelaide, my intention is to represent the views of residents in the area when the owners seek my required input,” she said.

It is expected the proposal will go for public consultation next month. Any rezoning must be approved by the State Planning Commission, Ms Chapman and parliament’s Environment, Resources and Development Committee.