Council in apartment plan veto
Developer contemplating legal appeal
DEVELOPERS are considering a legal appeal after Cairns Regional Council rejected their proposal to build an eight-storey apartment complex on the Clifton Beach esplanade.
The 109-unit Elements on Arlington project has stirred up controversy across the Northern Beaches with residents fearing an approval would set a precedent for their waterfronts to be swamped with towers.
Division 9 councillor Brett Olds told yesterday’s council meeting he was impressed by the Clifton Beach community’s show of force.
“It’s caused a lot of anxiety out there,” he said.
“There’s been some misinformation out there in the community and sometimes it creates a bit of distrust because the planning scheme is not a black-and-white document.
“It could potentially lead to opening a can of worms.”
The developer behind the project, J2J director Udi David Stern, went to great lengths to get the community on side.
The company hired a public relations specialist who was on call to sit down with residents to discuss their concerns.
Mr Stern said he was weighing up his options to contest the decision in the Planning and Environment Court.
“At the moment, we’re looking into appealing,” he said.
“We’re talking to our solicitors about it.
“This is a high-quality unit complex that will only add value to the neighbouring unit complexes.”
Mr Stern said studies had been carried out showing there would be minimal effect on the Clifton Beach vista.
“We’ve done a very thorough visual impact (assessment) from the south, centre and north, from 150m away, 300m and 500m,” he said.
“It shows it’s impossible to see it.”
The developer said he understood residents’ concerns but still hoped he could win them over.
“We are part of the community,” he said.
“I, myself, live in Kewarra Beach.
“I would love to do something that will be suitable for the community, something we can be proud of.
“We respect the (council) vote, of course, but we might contest it.”
A report before council said the development conflicted with planning schemes on several fronts – most notably due to its proposed building height of 24.5m, compared to the 15m and four-storey provision established for the area.
I WOULD LOVE TO DO SOMETHING THAT WILL BE SUITABLE FOR THE COMMUNITY … WE RESPECT THE (COUNCIL) VOTE, OF COURSE, BUT WE MIGHT CONTEST IT
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