Controversial eight-storey ‘privacy breaching’ Mango Hill tower approved

Council has ticked off on a controversial eight-storey, 25m high unit complex in a new estate north of Brisbane despite outrage from residents. WHY PEOPLE ARE ANGRY

A controversial eight-storey unit project in a new Mango Hill estate has been approved despite anger at its 25m height, traffic concerns and claims it is not in keeping with the area.

The 2 Ellison Pde, 52-unit building would be 25m high — 4m higher than the maximum allowed in that area — and include 26, two-bed units and 26 three-bed units.

There would also be several communal spaces, including a co-working space, pool, multi-purpose room and rooftop terrace in the Mango Boulevard Unit Trust Pty Ltd project.

It was part of stage 11 of the Capestone Residential Estate, a large masterplanned residential development.

The maximum building height limit allowed in the General Residential Zone in Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Planning Scheme is only 21m.

Nine submissions were made against the development, including Capestone resident Ian Lang who claimed the developer had not made a substantial case to exceed the maximum height.

A concept drawing of the 2 Ellison Pde project. Image: PeakUrban

“The only other building of this size in the area does comply with the current height restriction,’’ he wrote.

“Allowing the height restriction to be altered may have ramifications for future developments in the area, particularly greenfield sites opposite this proposed development.”

Another Capstone resident, Kara Taylor, said people in the new unit complex would be able to look directly into the neighbouring childcare centre.

“The proposed building height is not in keeping within existing planning and feel of the estate, the building will look out of place and ruin the neighbourhood and community feel of Capestone,” Ms Taylor wrote.

“Parking in the estate is already a massive issue and concern, pick up and drop off times at childcare is already busy and hectic, additional car traffic in this location poses a traffic nuisance and safety concern for children.”

Fellow Capestone resident Brooke Lammi said she and her neighbours were unimpressed.

“The infrastructure was not made for the amount of people already living in Capestone,” Ms Lammi wrote.

“The traffic at both ends on Capestone Blvd are very congested with traffic.

“A building of this size would make it even more congested and unbearable at peak times.

“How would you propose to lessen the effect on traffic in and out of the estate, building something of this size in the area?”

The 25m tall unit complex exceeds the maximum building height by 4m. Image: PeakUrban

Mango Boulevard Unit Trust Pty Ltd wrote in the development application documents that it believed a 25m tall building was an acceptable design outcome and built form appropriate for a site near services, public transport and significant open space.

“Specifically, the part of the proposed development that exceeds the maximum building height is related only to the lift overrun and communal area located on level 7,” it said.

“The design of this space is such that is represents a fraction of the overall floor plate, allowing level 7 to be set back from the main building line and thus not impact the viewable height of the building when viewed from the street or close nearby.

“Ultimately, development of the subject site for the purposes of a multi-unit dwelling represents the highest and best use of a site that is centrally located within close proximity of the Capestone Village Shopping Centre located opposite the site in Capestone Blvd, the Mango East Railway Station Moreton Bay Rail Line located within 200m walking distance and the extensive open space and recreation network that exists throughout the estate.

“The development maximises the site’s proximity to such local attributes and ensures an overall integrated, convenient and attractive development within that part of the Capstone Estate.”

The unit complex included 94 resident car spaces, accessible via an existing shared driveway with the neighbouring childcare centre.

It was unclear when construction would begin.