Controversial bayside development given all clear despite opposition

A controversial development on Brisbane’s bayside will start construction early next year after being approved despite fierce opposition from local residents.

Artist impression of the development at Manly's Stratton Tce. Picture: Supplied

A CONTROVERSIAL residential and retail development on Brisbane’s bayside will start construction in early 2020 after the Brisbane City Council approved the proposal despite fierce opposition from much of the bayside community.

A development application for 49 units at 195 Stratton Tce at Manly was previously approved by the Council but developers DeMartini Fletcher then lodged a second application on June 28 this year, which reduced the number of units to 43 and retail space from 900 sqm to 140 sqm.

The second application has received 55 submissions opposing the development, with some residents believing the height was increased to exceed the limit allowed by council in the neighbourhood plan.

CHANGES TO STRATTON TCE DEVELOPMENT WORRY RESIDENTS

However, Council approved the development on November 18.

“The proposed application met the requirements of the local neighbourhood plan and will activate the streetscape while ensuring views of Moreton Bay are retained,” the Brisbane City Council spokesman said.

“Council is committed to building the infrastructure our growing city needs while protecting the look and feel of our suburbs.”

General photograph of vacant land at corner of 195 Stratton Terrace and Cardigan Parade. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

A concerned resident, who did not wish to be named, said he was disappointed in the approval and still believed the development exceeded the heights set out by the Brisbane City Council.

The resident said he has sought out a meeting with Council officials about the technology used to evaluate the impact the height would have on the view of Moreton Bay for local residents.

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“For me I’m going to lose the best part of my view, which is the view of the Manly Boat Harbour,” he said.

“The whole point of the neighbourhood plan is to protect the height and this just opens the floodgates.”

John Lunney from DeMartini Fletcher said they were pleased at Council’s decision and wanted to reassure residents they were still working within the framework of the original proposal.

“An official sales launch date has been set for February 15, which we are very excited about. Our sales office will be located opposite the site at Suite 1A 188 Stratton Tce,” he said.