Adelaide City Council gives nine-storey tower the green light

Adelaide City Council has approved a nine-storey tower some residents say is too big and bulky. What do you think?

Proposed residential tower for Walter St, North Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

Plans for a 26-apartment, nine-storey tower have been approved by Adelaide City Council, despite complaints from North Adelaide residents.

The project, proposed by the Walter Partnership, is for the current rundown 1972 office site at 12-16 Walter Street off the southern end of O’Connell St.

The zoning for the area is “City Main Street” and the building would fit within height limits at 30 metres.

Ten residents and their representatives spoke against the project over “height and mass” issues as well as 30-space parking.

Proposed residential tower for Walter St, North Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

But council administration recommended the project be accepted because it; “proposes a building height that will not result in unreasonable amenity impacts not contemplated to occur within the zone”.

The council report also reveals opposition has weakened since 15 per cent of the project was dedicated to low cost housing, and car parks were cut from 34 to 30.

It states, following the amendment: “A total of 33 representations were received with the second round of public notification. Of these, 16 representations are in support and 17 are opposed to the proposal”.

Proposed residential tower site in Walter St, North Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

Should a tower go here?

North Adelaide Society chair Elbert Brooks spoke on behalf of neighbours and the society.

Mr Brooks said he did not want to pre-empt the discussions of the panel, but residents had a number of objections to the “huge” development.

“The basic issues from the residents are about grossly excessive height, and mass, it being totally inconsistent with this being a very narrow and small side street,’’ he said.

“This is a huge proposed development. It comprises such a large number of residents flats as to increase traffic unacceptably along that very small street.”

The only recourse residents will have is a judicial review.