Palm Beach tower to get green light by Gold Coast Council

A CONTROVERSIAL nine-storey development was given the green light despite more than 1000 people signing a petition against the southern Gold Coast unit complex.

Palm Beach Cr Daphne McDonald has ‘grave concerns’ over the project. Picture: Gold Coast City Council

UPDATE: FIVE petitions and 28 letters were not enough to stop a nine-storey development in Palm Beach gaining the first stage of approval from the Gold Coast City Council.

The council’s planning committee today voted to approve the 51 unit development despite the large public outcry.

Five petitions were lodged with the council, the largest gathered more than 1200 signatures online.

Only one member of the committee, Robina’s Hermann Vorster, voted against giving approval to the controversial development.

Palm Beach councillor Daphne McDonald attended the meeting but was unable to vote as she is not a member of the committee.

More than 1200 people are opposed to the project. Picture: Gold Coast City Council

She spoke against approving the development.

“There is a shortfall in parking,” she said.

“There are just two in the visitor parking and 11 under in bicycle spaces.”

Cr McDonald also said the development would also rapidly increase the population in the area.

Planning committee chairman Cameron Caldwell described the development as well thought out.

“It seems to be a building of a high quality design,” he said.

The development will now go before the full council meeting on Tuesday.

EARLIER: A NINE-storey development in Palm Beach is expected to be given the green light despite more than 1000 people signing a petition against the unit complex.

Gold Coast City Council officers have recommended the city’s planning committee give the 49-unit tower and adjoining duplex approval when it goes before councillors today.

An artist impression of the project Picture: Gold Coast City Council

More than 1200 people have signed an online petition to stop the development on the corner of Twenty Fourth Ave and the Gold Coast Hwy.

The development will have a combined 100 bedrooms and will take up four blocks where older-style homes and units currently stand.

There are no retail spaces planned, but it is within walking distance to several cafes and bus stops. Local Miriam ter Borg said the project would ruin the “village feel”.

“It’s going to completely ruin what Palm Beach is loved for, and what we get tourists to the area for,” she said.

Ms ter Borg, who launched the petition, said of particular concern was the lack of parking, increased density and that the building was out of step with the rest of the area.

“It’s going to double the population of the block,” she said. “We all know our neighbours here and now that won’t happen.”

It is understood the petition is unlikely to be accepted. Previously, council has not accepted an online petition unless all signatories provided an address.

Palm Beach councillor Daphne McDonald said she had “grave concerns” about the development.

“I don’t think it is a good outcome for the community,” she said. Cr McDonald said it was above the recommended density guidelines and there was a lack of on and off-street parking.

Planning Committee chairman Cameron Caldwell said the council’s planning officers had thoroughly looked at the development, by Sydney based DB Projects, before recommending it for approval.

He said they were aware of the community feedback.

“We welcome community interest in council planning matters and council is always mindful of community issues,” he said.

If given the green light the application will go before the full council on October 31.