Fears character will be lost in Scarborough with development boom

A SUDDEN influx of development applications for a relatively untouched piece of southeast Queensland seaside paradise has sparked concerns from locals.

Residents Trudy Stephens and Bob Pratt outside the houses to be removed for the development. Picture: Chris Higgins

A RUSH on development applications for this piece of seaside paradise has residents worried it will lose its charm.

They fear quiet streets in Scarborough, north of Brisbane, will lose their character if Moreton Bay Regional Council continues to approve development applications for unit blocks.

The council has approved a 12m high, three-storey development at 73 and 75 Seaville Ave and another application for 40 units at Rock and Mein streets.

Bob Pratt and Trudy Stephens are among the 47 residents who objected to the 12-unit development at Seaville Ave.

Residents’ concerns included the height of the building, threats to privacy, increased traffic and noise, lack of parking, and possible decreases in property values.

Despite the objections, the development was approved by Moreton Bay Regional Council on March 7.

“I have lived in the street for 16 years,” Ms Stephens said. “We need to preserve the village atmosphere.”

Mr Pratt lives around the corner from the Seaville Ave site.

“It is a quiet neighbourhood and the last thing we want is lots and lots of units,” Mr Pratt said. Both residents said unit blocks belonged on main roads, not suburban streets.

Council has approved a development application for a block of units at Seaville Ave, despite receiving 47 objections. Picture: Chris Higgins

Moreton Bay Regional Councillor James Houghton (Div 5) said council had worked with the developer to address the concerns raised by residents and had imposed a number of conditions when approving the application.

Redcliffe-based architect Alex Enborisoff will design­ both of the recently-approved unit developments at Scarborough.

The developments at Rock and Mein streets, and Seaville Ave will collectively offer 52 units, in a mix of two and three bedrooms.

Both developments were assessed under the superseded Redcliffe City Planning Scheme.

Mr Enborisoff, who owns AEV Architects, said the aim was for the unit blocks to start a new “trend”.

“They will be airy and spacious­ with plenty of parking and a nice big balcony,” Mr Enborisoff said.

“They will keep with a modern trend.”

He said they would be designed­ with owner-occupiers in mind.

Mr Enborisoff said he would meet with the developers in coming weeks to determine­ the next step. He was a past campaign donor to Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland­.

Cr Sutherland declared a conflict of interest and left the council chambers for the debate and did not vote on either­ development.

DEVELOPMENTS:

■ 73 and 75 Seaville Ave

12 units, 12m/three-storey building, 24 car parks

■ 174 and 176 Mein St and 10 Rock St

40 units in two separate three-storey buildings each 11.9m high, 80 car parks, eight objections

■ 118 Mein St, Scarborough

A COMPLEX to rival The Scarborough is being considered by Moreton Bay Regional Council.

The council has received a development application for a multistorey complex with 64 units, and food and drink outlets at 77-85 Landsborough Ave and 118 Mein St, Scarborough.

Forty20 Property selling agent Trent Cattanach said units were always selling in Scarborough because of the lifestyle the suburb offered.

“Anything along Landsborough Ave is in high demand,” Mr Cattanach said.