Michael Hart warns approval of a 12-level tower will set a ‘dangerous precedent’ for Palm Beach

Burleigh MP Michael Hart is urging council not to approve a 12-storey tower in Jefferson Lane at Palm Beach because it will set a “dangerous precedent”. Find out why.

Burleigh MP Michael Hart is urging councillors not to approve a 12-storey tower in Jefferson Lane at Palm Beach because it will set a “dangerous precedent” on building heights.

Officers at the planning committee next Tuesday will present a report recommending approval of 107 Jefferson Lane application to add 7.8 metres to the building’s approved height.

But Mr Hart, who lives nearby in a unit tower, has sent a two-page submission to Gold Coast City Council planners under an official letterhead in opposition to the move.

“We’re stunned. His opposition on height – it’s a bit of a running joke,” a City source said.

Mr Hart bought a family unit along the Gold Coast Highway at the beachfront suburb in 2018 for $1,108,000.

The veteran LNP backbencher clashed with councillors in May and was branded “hypocritical” for attacking them about approving a 13-level tower in Palm Beach.

Changes in height proposed for a beachfront residential tower at Jefferson Lane in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast.

He told councillors, at the time, that he did not need a lecture on planning from them and where he lives does not influence his views on building height.

His latest comprehensive submission shows the intent of the MP is to continue his protest.

The proposed increase in height from nine levels to 12 at 107 Jefferson Lane was “blatantly inconsistent” with the character of neighbouring properties, he wrote.

“The addition of high-end, high-prices apartments does not contribute significantly to housing choice or affordability,” Mr Hart said.

“Instead, it further exacerbates the issue by catering to a niche market, thereby excluding a significant portion of the community from accessing affordable housing options.”

Mr Hart said Jefferson Lane was at full capacity for traffic and another residential tower would create safety concerns for pedestrians.

Planning chair Mark Hammel said he understood officers had recommended approving the height increase and increasing dwellings from eight to ten. He welcomed debate on it.

“I am aware of the submission by Mr Hart and have read it along with all the other submissions,” Cr Hammel said.

“I don’t know if I can agree with Mr Hart that if approved this site sets a ‘dangerous precedent’ as every application is assessed on its merits.”

A street view of the changes in height planned for a residential tower at Jefferson Lane in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast.

Approval of the “change” application – the developer has started building to nine levels – would set a new benchmark for allowable heights in the area, Mr Hart wrote.

The decision would encourage developers to seek higher building allowances leading to a “cascade of applications that further erode the established character of the neighbourhood”.

Zone Planning in their submissions for the developer said the changes amounted to a two- storey penthouse suite adding two carparking spaces to the basement car park.

But the overall size and shape of the basement remains unchanged except for “a small increase to the lift overrun height, added curves to the balconies and the introduction of timber-look aluminium screens and faced brick walls and columns”.

“Such changes are also considered to provide an improved development outcome. Critically, no changes to setbacks or site cover are proposed for the existing approved nine storeys,” planners wrote.

The site for a residential beachfront tower in Jefferson Lane at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast.

The site on the City’s Building Height Overlay Map has a height of 29m, and the proposed additions represent a 28.8 per cent increase, the planners said.

The design and height considered nearby new buildings and the proposal “does not seek to take advantage of the full 50 per cent building height viable available”.

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Originally published as Michael Hart warns approval of a 12-level tower will set a ‘dangerous precedent’ for Palm Beach