Edge Hill ‘battle-axe’ subdivision approved in Woodward St
An affluent suburb is now getting the same controversial “battle-axe” subdivisions that have been approved in the likes of Woree and White Rock.
Cairns
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WHAT’S good for the goose is good for the gander with an affluent suburb now getting the same “battle-axe” subdivisions that have been approved in the likes of Woree.
A proposal to slice up a backyard to allow a second house to be built at 172-174 Woodward St in Edge Hill was recommended for rejection by Cairns Regional Council planning officers.
Elected officials took a different view of the situation.
The initial rejection advice stated the development would “erode the low-density” character of the surrounding area and fail to maintain a high level of residential amenity.
A green light would allow the owners to carve off a 450sq m and a 350sq m with a “battle-axe” driveway shooting past the existing house to another behind.
Deputy Mayor Terry James argued the council was compelled to approve the project.
“The planner’s report basically goes on about the house design and (that) it can’t fit within this block,” he said.
“We’re not approving the house design here, that’s for private certifiers.
“It’s got nothing to do with council.
“We are looking at an application for a one-lot-into-two subdivision.”
Owners Luke and Sarah Palmer bought the property for $337,000 in 2017.
Had they chosen to create a duplex on the site, it would have been subject to a simple self-assessable approval process.
Cr James said their proposal deserved the green light, particularly in light of the city’s housing crisis.
“It’s getting a desperate situation with housing, particularly around Cairns,” he said.
“We have an opportunity here to get in now and help fix this.”
Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger raised a salient point about intersuburban equity.
She mentioned 39 Lyndel Dr in Woree – an 800sq m block that was approved for a split with the smallest new lot just 336sq m.
“The dwelling house on that site by the owner didn’t have a side access,” she said.
“They had to remove their driveway.
“This was approved, so I’m wondering is Woree different to Edge Hill?
“It shouldn’t be.”
The Woodward St development was unanimously approved.
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Originally published as Edge Hill ‘battle-axe’ subdivision approved in Woodward St
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