Cedar Woods density edict scrapped by State Government

THE State Government has been forced to backflip on a request to increase housing densities in a controversial Brisbane development at the centre of a political dogfight.

The State Government says the decision to lower housing densities in the Upper Kedron Neighbourhood Plan was made following a meeting with local MPs and community groups.

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THE State Government has been forced to backflip on a request to increase housing densities in a controversial Brisbane development at the centre of a political dogfight.

Planning Minister Jackie Trad said the decision to lower housing densities in the Upper Kedron Neighbourhood Plan was made following a meeting with local MPs and community groups.

The Upper Kedron/Ferny Grove area includes the controversial Cedar Woods development that made headlines when it was called in after the 2015 state election.

Council was ordered to revisit the neighbourhood plan for the area but at a meeting last week it was revealed the State Government had returned the draft plan to council with a directive to increase the housing density by 50 per cent.

Council’s planning boss Julian Simmonds said the move would have seen the size of Cedar Woods increase from 980 lots to 1500.

Ms Trad said she had written to council to advise them the directive had been scrapped.

“This shows the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to ensuring the community can have their say in local planning, especially where sensitive issues like national parks are involved,” Ms Trad said.

“As with all draft neighbourhood plans, I now expect council to thoroughly consult with the community to ensure it reflects good planning outcomes and the views of local residents.”

The draft plan will now go out for public consultation.

Gap Ward Councillor Steve Toomey thanked Ms Trad for listening to concerns raised.

“While we have just received this news, I will be interested in further examining the vegetation changes and what they mean for the community,” Cr Toomey said.