Locals, Brisbane City Council in court battle over Stratton Tce, Manly development

A group of frustrated locals have accused Brisbane City Council of ‘inadequate analysis’, after it approved a four-storey apartment block they allege will block their prized water views.

FRUSTRATED locals have accused council of ignoring its own neighbourhood plan as they take their fight against a controversial development on Brisbane’s bayside to court.

A 43-unit apartment complex on Stratton Tce, Manly was approved by Brisbane City Council in November, despite receiving dozens of objections from locals.

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The project initially involved 49 units but was scaled back after locals expressed concern at losing views of the Manly Boat Harbour.

Documents filed in court late last month showed 21 complainants have banded together to appeal the decision to green light the four-storey complex, claiming council has not considered their homes’ views of Moreton Bay.

A render of what the development at 195 Stratton Tce, Manly would look like. Picture: PD Online/Ellivo

Among demands from residents are that the proposed building be reduced in height from the approved 16.4 metres to just 10.5 metres.

“The bulk of residences having views interrupted by the proposed development are being ignored and excluded in the assessment of view impacts of the application,” court documents said.

“This inadequate analysis has led Brisbane City Council to conclude in error there is little impact on views.”

The appellants have cited the local neighbourhood plan, which stipulates that new developments in the Manly Harbour village precinct should take into account all existing views of Moreton Bay.

A Brisbane City Council spokesman refused to comment on the matter, saying it was currently before the courts.