Residents rejoice as estate is rejected

Developer able to appeal decision

RESIDENTS in Prince Henry Heights have rejoiced after the Toowoomba Regional Council voted to knock back a contentious gated community on the escarpment.

The council chambers erupted in applause at the unanimous endorsement from the councillors of the motion brought forward by Mayor Paul Antonio to refuse the 40unit housing estate.

Council planning officer Lachlan O’Sullivan and leader planner James Juhasz both recommended the approval of the development by Shangri-La International Holdings Pty Ltd.

Mr O’Sullivan cited the estate’s compliance with the TRC’s planning scheme and the 107 conditions installed to mitigate fire, traffic, water and sewage concerns.

But Prince Henry Heights resident Keith Canning, who spoke on behalf of the 30 submitters in the room, said the proposal was littered with issues.

“At the end of the day, they seem to have done it relevant to just the code, not where it is going,” he said.

“If we let this happen here, where does it stop?

“But we are putting an incendiary on the side of this escarpment.”

Outside the meeting, Mr Canning praised the council for what he described as a victory for Toowoomba.

“It was fortifying to have the councillors support what the residents wanted for the betterment of Toowoomba and region,” he said.

“It was a very strong case (for it), but that was worth chasing and it’s for our kids.”

Cr Antonio agreed with Mr Canning, saying the concerns far outweighed the benefits.

The land was zoned as low-density residential in the two previous planning schemes, meaning the applicant’s proposal was code-assessable and officers didn’t have to take the community’s concerns into account.

The celebrations could be short-lived, as the developer is entitled to appeal the decision in the planning and environment court.