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Divisive development plans target Sandgate’s population density

Key information about plans regarding development of Sandgate have been submitted to state government. SEE THE PROPOSAL

Soldier crabs march on Sandgate beach

Change is coming to the bayside suburb of Sandgate where a divisive neighbourhood plan, drafted by the Brisbane City Council and sent to the Queensland Government for approval, was discussed by key community members this month.

The plan aims to guide development in the area by striking a delicate balance between the business community’s need for long term economic growth and residents’ desire to maintain the town centre’s unique character and charm.

Councillor Jared Cassidy said a lot of the local business community felt ill-informed of the proposed changes.
Councillor Jared Cassidy said a lot of the local business community felt ill-informed of the proposed changes.

Close to 700 bayside residents submitted feedback on the draft strategy during the consultation period, launching a series of petitions that called both for and against new development regulations.

The conflicting goals of residents and business owners became apparent during an information session held by the Sandgate Chamber of Commerce earlier this month, according to councillor for Deagon Ward Jared Cassidy.

“(The business community) had a sense they weren’t consulted enough and their views weren’t sought specifically ... they didn’t feel like part of the process,” Cr Cassidy said.

“It was divisive.”

Cr Cassidy outlined how an organised community effort saw the neighbourhood strategy of six storeys at Brighton Rd changed to include the following.

The maximum building height on Brighton Rd is set to stay at four storeys, while the area around Hancock St and Lagoon St, where the shopping centre is located, is expected to increase to five storeys.

Council plans show how building density could change near the Sandgate train station.
Council plans show how building density could change near the Sandgate train station.
The proposed areas included in the Sandgate Neighbourhood Plan draft.
The proposed areas included in the Sandgate Neighbourhood Plan draft.

Greater development opportunities are proposed where the gasworks used to be located, opposite the Sandgate train station, where the area will be zoned for three storey unit development at a low density.

Between the second and seventh avenue zoning will change to low medium residential to allow for the construction of units and townhouses while ensuring any pre-existing character homes are protected.

“It’s changing to character residential two, which retains the tin and timber houses but allows, where blocks are sufficiently big enough, to develop in the backyard,” Cr Cassidy explained.

“The idea is the streetscape retains that (character) but in the vacant spaces development can be approved.”

The draft plan submitted to the Queensland Government would see the character and charm of Brighton Rd preserved.
The draft plan submitted to the Queensland Government would see the character and charm of Brighton Rd preserved.

Housing diversity was a key point of discussion at the CoC meeting, where local business owners highlighted the need for more people coming in, spending money and supporting the Sandgate economy.

“Businesses want to see growth locally rather than pushing the population further north up the Bruce Hwy,” Cr Cassidy said.

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Increasing density near the Gasworks may prove to be a solution that satisfies both parties.

“The people I’ve spoken with are open to the idea of more density elsewhere, near Rainbow St, Gasworks and the train station, and that makes sense in terms of access and flooding,” he said.

“We need to have a plan for housing diversity and growth that’s supported by the majority of people and that means broadening our view outside of the main street.”

The area behind the Sandgate train station could be zoned to allow for greater density away from the town centre.
The area behind the Sandgate train station could be zoned to allow for greater density away from the town centre.

After the formal checking process with the state government is complete, the draft neighbourhood plan will be released for community review and further submissions.

This is scheduled to occur mid-2021, during which time there will be a number of face-to-face and online opportunities for residents to have their say.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/north/divisive-development-plans-target-sandgates-population-density/news-story/4348822d00e17b47d2d1f0da0c008757