Neighbourhood plan draft strategy draws mixed response
The Sandgate District Neighbourhood Plan draft strategy has received a mixed response in the community.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Sandgate District Neighbourhood Plan draft strategy has received a mixed response in the community.
The plan covers Sandgate, Deagon and Shorncliffe. Council released the draft strategy on October 8 and residents have until November 4 to offer feedback.
$1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. Min. cost $4
It proposes to strengthen character protection in a number of areas, while rezoning to three storeys around Sandgate and Deagon rail stations and increasing from four to six storeys in the Sandgate business centre.
It also proposes to work with the State Government on the future development of Deagon Racecourse and investigate opportunities for local tourism.
Sandgate and Districts Chamber of Commerce supports the proposal for a mix of commercial and residential development up to six storeys along part of Brighton Rd as good for businesses.
However president Bill Gollan said the buildings must reflect the character of the area.
“People live here all their life but when they downsize there are very few opportunities for them to stay in the area,” he said.
“Medium density living will help businesses in the area because more people will be walking past their stores.”
Mr Gollan added the draft strategy did not address the issue of traffic management in the business area “and we would like to see that put in”.
The proposal to rezone an area around Deagon station as low-medium density residential, to support townhouses and apartments, has concerned some residents.
About 22 residents met recently and formed a group they call Keep Deagon Special. They have more than 200 followers on their Facebook group.
Neil McCrossin said they were concerned “because we love our area as it is”.
“Deagon is often under appreciated but our area has calm streets that are safe for kids, lots of trees, and a peaceful community atmosphere.
“We are concerned because we know from other suburbs that the Council’s Performance-Based Planning means that a three-storey limit on paper does not mean that limit will apply in reality. In the Council’s own words, such limits are ‘flexible’.
“We are also concerned about potential increased traffic, loss of trees, loss of character housing, and drainage and flooding issues. It is hard to know the extent of these potential issues because as far as we know the Council has not published any information on them, and the information sessions have been bizarrely placed towards the end of the consultation period.”
MORE NORTH BRISBANE NEWS:
LNP endorses new councillor for Bracken Ridge Ward
Everything is awesome at Brisbane’s first LEGO certified store
Amanda Cooper resigns from Brisbane City Council
Army steps in to help deliver Meals on Wheels
Mr McCrossin said they were aware this was just the conceptual phase “but once the rezoning has been approved in a conceptual sense and the Council moves on to the details stage, it will be incredibly difficult for us to demand that they go back and overturn the concept.
“We are placing a priority on making sure that as many people as possible provide written feedback to the Council as we know that this is what gives us the best chance of overturning the proposed rezoning.”
Tanya Carlin said she was concerned about the proposed rezoning at Deagon because “it will not only destroy the cosiness of our community but it will also take away its character,” Mrs Carlin said.
“There are so many homes around Deagon that are beautiful old Queenslanders. It would be a dreadful shame to see them lost just so some developer can make a profit. Similar concepts and high density in other areas such as Chermside and Nundah are clear examples of the negative impact of so-called increased density.
“My other major concern is the increased traffic this will inevitably cause. Look at Chermside for example, so many streets in and around there are now choked with congestion because of the high density living.
“Albury Street here in Deagon already has two blind spots on it coming around the bend when approaching Deagon station. Increased traffic will make this area even more dangerous during peak times. This increased traffic will not just be during the day but also at night, making parking even more of a challenge than it already is. I would hate for someone to become a statistic before something is done!
“Let us remember too that with increased traffic and density comes noise. There will be no more quiet lazy afternoons and evenings on one’s deck if the rezoning goes ahead. It simply cannot be allowed to proceed.”
Mr Gollan said it was important people were open minded about the neighbourhood plan process and provided feedback.
“This is the first draft,” he said. “The chamber has long been pushing for a plan for our area to take us into the next century.
“There are opportunities in the area for living, recreation, jobs, businesses and our lifestyle. Provided the neighbourhood plan is underpinned by these values it’s a good thing.
“Many studies show if you have a more attractive community it attracts more investment.”
Council has planned two information sessions: on Thursday, October 24 from 1-3pm and 6-8pm at Sandgate Town Hall, cnr Cliff & Seymour Sts; and on Saturday, October 26 from 9am-noon at Sandgate Scout Hall, 134 Brighton Rd.
The Keep Deagon Special group is holding a public meeting on Wednesday, October 23 at 7.30pm at Sandbag, 153 Rainbow St, Sandgate.
SEQ housing shake-up as new property giant rises
A property giant is emerging after its latest takeover was approved, paving the way for the conglomerate to become the largest housing developer in southeast Queensland.
Man sought psych help in hours before deadly hammer attack on own mum
A mentally ill man who killed his mother in a violent attack in her own home will be eligible for parole in 2.5 years, a court hearing he was preoccupied with ‘end of days perceptions’.