Burnside Council strongly opposed to 20-storey building height changes in Glenside

Burnside Council opposes planning law changes that would allow a 20-storey apartment building, but in a strange twist, the proposed policy technically enables higher limits.

An artist impressions of how a proposed 20-storey residential tower at the Glenside would look. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

The height, bulk and scale of a proposed 20-storey building in Glenside would be “incongruous, visually jarring and may compromise the harmonious natural views” of the parklands, according to the local council.

Burnside Council has outlined it’s “strong opposition” to planning law changes that would increase the maximum building height from eight to 20 levels, or 29m to 73m, on the corner of Fullarton and Greenhill Roads.

The council also raised concerns the draft Glenside Urban Corridor (Living) Code Amendment could enable up to 26 levels – if certain requirements were met, such as a percentage of apartments for affordable housing.

Developer Cedar Woods is building more than 1000 homes as part of its $400m project in Glenside and wants to build four residential apartment buildings ranging from 11 to 20 storeys on its last remaining lots.

Cedar Woods SA state manager Mark Pivovaroff said only one of the four buildings was planned to be 20-storeys and if the code amendment was approved, “then building heights will not exceed 20-storeys”.

Mr Pivovaroff added Cedar Woods was “well on-track” to delivering 15 per cent of dwellings as affordable housing across the entire development.

An artist impression of the proposed 20-storey residential tower at the Glenside housing development. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

An artist impression of what the four apartment buildings would look like. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

At a special meeting last night, the council agreed to outline its objection to the draft code amendment in a letter to relevant politicians, include Premier Peter Malinauskas, based on a “high level” of community concern.

In the letter, concerns included the potential for multiple buildings of up to 20 storeys, unfairness for those who purchased apartments on the basis of a eight-storey development, insufficient carparking, impact on amenity, overshadowing and heritage.

“The existing eight level maximum height should be maintained, recognising in certain circumstances the policy also allows for up to 30 per cent higher (ie, 11-12 level maximum building height),” the letter stated.

An artist impression of the proposed residential apartments at the Glenside housing development. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

The council wrote although the developer’s intent was not to exceed 20 levels, there is potential for developer ownership change, or change of position of the current owner.

Consultation on the amendment closes on Friday, before a decision is made by the Housing Minister Nick Champion.

If planning laws change, any proposed buildings would still need to be approved by the State Commission Assessment Panel.