The Town of Mosman Park is disappointed at the State Government’s approval of the five-storey mixed-use apartment and shopping centre re-development on 46 Manning Street after advocating strongly for its refusal.
The final decision by Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) on 10 August is also subject to conditions that may require further Council approvals including the heavy reliance on upgrades to public land in the road reserve and verge.
This is despite 500 community objections to the proposal and strong deputations by the Town that reiterated overdevelopment of a neighbourhood centre and lack of significant community benefit.
Mayor Paul Shaw said while the Town is disappointed by WAPC’s approval of Mos Lane, it welcomes development that conforms to the Town Planning Scheme and is context and location appropriate.
“Take for example the new high-rise apartments on Glyde Street – they are high quality developments that demonstrate proper and orderly planning. They are in an appropriate location, and clearly demonstrate tangible community benefits,” said Mayor Shaw.
“Perhaps while they’re at it, the State Government can fast track the underpass at Wellington Street or take the opportunity to make the most of the Leighton Beach ‘gravel pit’ for residential and ancillary use – this is the kind of development that actually has the potential to deliver significant benefits to the community.”
“Approving the Mos Lane development sets a negative planning precedent and contradicts the Town’s long-term planning frameworks, including harming the integrity of the Town’s future Local Planning Strategy. Our community deserves better.”
Town’s Planners had only two days to review the final plans before being required to respond to the State Development Assessment Unit (SDAU).
“In addition to being overruled, we feel let down by the unrealistic timeframes for the Town’s Planners to properly review the final plans, as well as the clear lack of community engagement for the final design of this development,” said Mayor Shaw.
“The Town has put a great deal of work into consulting its community to develop a Community Needs Analysis which identifies their needs and wants now and into the future. While it’s disappointing the SDAU has clearly overlooked this in their final decision, the Town will continue to advocate for the best possible outcomes for our community.”
Town of Mosman Park Councillor Andrew Baird joined Chief of Urban Planning and Development Ross Minett and Principal Statutory Urban Planner Luke Harris at the WAPC meeting to make a deputation.
They advocated on behalf of the community, citing key concerns including inappropriate use of discretion for building height and plot ratio variance, traffic management, setbacks, landscaping, as well as the inappropriate transitioning proposed particularly with low density R20 properties adjacent and in the immediate area.
The Town plans to continue its advocacy efforts and proactive engagement with the State Government to accelerate the Town’s transport and planning priorities including safe beach access and safer roads around schools.