Residents, businesses debate high-rise plans for West Torrens Council area
PLANS to rezone major southwestern roads for buildings up to eight storeys would impact property values and industry, some locals say.
PLANS to rezone major southwestern roads for buildings up to eight storeys would impact property values and industry, some locals say.
But others say it will bring much-needed customer traffic into the area. More than 230 people and businesses have had their say about a plan to allow higher density housing along Henley Beach, Marion and Port roads.
The plan was prepared by West Torrens Council in response to the State Government's 30-Year Plan for greater Adelaide. Public submissions on the plan have claimed:
PUBLIC transport in the area would struggle to cope with an influx of new residents living in high-density apartments;
AREAS surrounding the River Torrens near Underdale would be at risk of overdevelopment;
EXPANSION plans of Port Rd businesses adjacent to Bonython Park, in Thebarton, would be constrained, and;
PROPERTY values surrounding the apartments would drop.
In submissions to the council, dozens of people said the State Government must significantly increase bus services to cater for an influx of new residents.
More than 50 people, the majority living near the River Torrens or Henley Beach Rd, were concerned plans to allow high-density development close to areas with character homes could affect their property value.
Phil McMahon Real Estate senior property consultant John Muscat agreed prices of nearby homes would likely fall if eight-storey developments went ahead.
"You'd have lighting and privacy problems," Mr Muscat said.
The SA Brewing Company, Adelaide Motors and the University of Adelaide's Thebarton Campus claim the rezoning, which focuses on residential, rather than commercial development, could constrain their future expansion.
An Adelaide Motors spokesman said the business would have to reconsider a showroom development on Port Rd because it would not be allowed under the proposed rezoning.
A brewery spokeswoman said the business "hopes to work with (the) council to ensure the best outcome for all concerned".
The brewery expects its proposed $70 million expansion, allowing it to increase cider production, will create 20-30 new full-time jobs.
But business owners along Henley Beach Rd, including George Diakomichalis of Kalymnos Pastries and Charles Cooper of Deja Vu Cafe, supported plans for higher density living along Henley Beach Rd. Mr Diakomichalis said the changes would attract more shoppers to the strip.
Council deputy chief executive Declan Moore said the plan was still "very much" a draft and would consider concerns by businesses and residents.
"In draft form the zoning can look a bit strict but it has created a lot of interest and that is what it is meant to do," Mr Moore said.
AMBITION UP AGAINST AMBIANCE
TORRENSVILLE resident Brian Daymond says Henley Beach Rd is the "perfect spot" for high density living.
Mr Daymond, 63, lives on East St, which runs off the key arterial road near South Rd.
"I think it is something that needs to happen to develop the area," Mr Daymond said.
"It is in the right place because of its proximity to the city and I have no objections with that sort of development."
Under the council's draft "housing diversity development amendment", apartments of up to eight storeys would be allowed along parts of Henley Beach Rd.
Underdale resident Keith Mortimore was opposed to the plan's provision for four-storey buildings in his neighbourhood.
"We have narrow streets and a quiet suburb with a great atmosphere," Mr Mortimore said.
"I can see why plenty of developers would like to get their hands on some areas and build them up to four storeys, but it would take away from the ambience of where we live."
Many of the more than 230 submissions received by West Torrens Council during its public consultation raised concerns about whether public transport could cope with the expected influx of residents.
Others questioned whether such developments might lead to overcrowding and higher crime rates.
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