Redland Bay zero-lot line, crammed, property designated for high-care disability housing
The man set to move into a southeast Queensland house at the centre of a planning controversy couldn’t be happier with the property despite it virtually touching its neighbour. FIND OUT WHY.
Redlands Coast
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The sister and carer of a man with disabilities who is due to move into a home built with little separation to its neighbour, and recently at the centre of a development planning furore, says he couldn’t care less for his proximity to his neighbour.
Hundreds of heated social media comments made plain residents’ disapproval of planning which allowed two properties at a new estate on Broadwater Terrace in Redland Bay to be built virtually touching, with much of the discontent aimed at Redland City Council.
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Council has since explained no approvals were necessary for the new estate – bizarrely built without footpath or kerb – due to planning given the tick in the 1800s.
However, Sharon Breen, carer to her brother Wayne Starkey, a man who has high-care disability needs, says it is not a problem for them.
“As long as the house meets all council approvals, which I am assuming it does, it is not Wayne’s concern,” Ms Breen said.
“This is the first disability house my brother has had in six years so I am more than happy.”
Ms Breen, who spoke on behalf of Mr Starkey, said the property is being fit out to comprehensive disability requirements and would offer many advantages owing to its location.
“This house will provide Wayne with a more comfortable home environment, particularly the purpose-built bathroom allowing him a more suitable shower, and will provide a more secure base knowing that he will not have to relocate regularly due to private rental issues,” she said.
“The best thing about the house is its proximity to almost everything Wayne needs daily.
“Instead of Wayne having to get in the car to go out he can more easily access the coffee shops and local supermarkets across the road.
“And he has easy access to entertainment with music and lunches at the pub and he can go for easy walks around the water.”
The three-bedroom property is owned by Synergis Fund, a socially responsible investment (SRI) fund specifically established for the construction of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) compliant dwellings and will eventually cater to up to three occupants.
Peter Marles director of Specialist Disability Accommodation Queensland (SDA QLD), which overseas the project on behalf of Synergis Fund, said the plot was bought because it was accordingly priced in the low 300 thousands specifically due to its zero-lot line (ZLL).
Mr Marles welcomed the ZLL format, which he said has become mainstay in other greater Brisbane regions.
“We were taken aback by the outcry caused in weeks prior because we are used to small lot developments in Brisbane and Moreton Bay,” he said.
“And there is not a lot we could do about the development because of its historical approval, however we would have preferred a footpath.
“Standard small lots on corner blocks in new estates within Queensland have clearly defined ZLL designations for each lot, and in the case where a corner lot may not have a legal ZLL boundary, then extra width is built into the lots to compensate for the lack of a ZLL and ensure necessary side and secondary street setbacks still allow a reasonable and suitable dwelling on the lot.
“The minimum typical sizes for corner lots approved by councils with no ZLL are typically in excess of 12.5m in width.”
And so the property comes as Redlands residents’ fist exposure to this development trend; a trend not at all welcomed and seized on by LNP MP and member for Bowman Andrew Laming as “substandard”.
The considerable criticism has moved Redlands mayor Karen Williams to meet with her Logan counterpart Darren Power, who has faced likewise outrage over creeping ZLL development.
“Mayor Power and I discussed our concerns with our fellow south east mayors, many of whom also had their own concerns and challenges with the Queensland Development Code (QDC).
“Following the meeting it was agreed that the Council of Mayors would write to the State Government on behalf of all SEQ Councils to highlight our challenges with the QDC and request it be reviewed to ensure it is in line with community expectations.”