Residents urge council to stick to its planning scheme

Despite more than 700 residents objecting and the developments being up to 12m taller than the allowed height, two high-rise unit complexes are expected to get a green light from a southeast Queensland council.

Concept image of the proposed development at 71 Landsborough Ave, Scarborough. Image Ryall Smith

Residents are calling on Moreton Bay Regional Council to stick to its planning scheme following the recommended approval of two more multi-storey developments.

It comes after council, last year, approved a 44m tall unit complex at Woody Point, more than double the height allowed through the planning scheme.

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On Tuesday Moreton Bay Regional Council is expected to vote on a 31m tall unit complex at 71 and 73 Landsborough Ave, Scarborough and a 20m tall residential precinct at Newport.

The proposed Scarborough development is 10m taller than the height listed in the planning scheme and the Newport development 12m taller.

Concept images of the proposed development at 71 Landsborough Ave, Scarborough. Image Ryall Smith

More than 200 residents submitted objections to the Scarborough development, which is proposed to include 48 three bedroom units and shop and food outlets.

A further 496 residents objected to the plan to build two six storey unit complexes and 11 townhouses at Aqua St, Newport.

Ten residents submitted applications supporting the proposed development.

The residential precinct, to be built in two stages, would provide 126 units.

Development features

Landsborough Ave

■ 10 storeys/31m tall

■ 48 three bedroom units

■ Food and retails spaces

■ 116 carparks

■ 202 objections

Aqua St

■ 2 six storey (20m) tall unit complexes

■ 11 two storey townhouses

■ 270 carparks

■496 objections

A concept image of the proposed units at Aqua St, Newport.

Both developers propose to provide more than the recommended carparking spaces but residents raised concerns about the impact on traffic, loss of amenity and village feel.

Scarborough resident Darryl Neild OAM said approving the development would be a “major mistake”.

“The spirit of Scarborough is going to be ripped apart,” Mr Neild said.

“This is an opportunity for the council to say ‘right we are going to stick to what is in the strategic plan’, but I am not confident they will.”

He also said it was unfair the current council was making a decision on this issue, just a month out from the council election – especially with the current Division 5 and 6 councillors both retiring.

The developments will not be the first of its kinds in the area.

A six-storey vertical retirement village is under construction at Newport.

The Scarborough, a multistorey apartment building, already exists further along Landsborough Ave.

An application, from Traders in Purple, to build a 9-storey, 28m tall unit building, with 64 units, has also been approved for 77-85 Landsborough Ave.

Council officers have recommended both developments be approved.

The council is expected to make its decision at its general meeting on Tuesday.