New units rock the boat

Residents fearful of rockfalls on steep site

TOWNSVILLE City Council has given preliminary approval to an eight- storey unit development in North Ward, angering nearby residents who have serious concerns about the potential for rock slides during construction and over the density of the housing.

The Carter St development will include 16 three- bedroom and 14 two- bedroom units, and a three- storey underground carpark.

The steep slope of the site will force the developers to remove large sections of rock to accommodate the carpark, which has caused concern among nearby homeowners who fear their properties may be damaged by the excavation works.

The council’s Planning and Development Committee approved the development on the condition an expert geotechnical report was provided, but Carter St resident James Browning said the council should have rejected it. “It’s outrageous,’’ he said. “They need to bear in mind … what the ratepayers want instead of trying to get close to property developers.’’

Mr Browning, who lives next door to the proposed development, said the height was too large and density too great for the area.

“I’m going to have a concrete tower just 4m from my deck,” he said.

MacCallum Planning and Architecture director Roger MacCallum said the development wouldn’t reduce the visual appeal of the street.

“We maintain that the aesthetic impacts on surrounding properties have been fully considered,” he said.

Mr MacCallum, who represents the three Sydney investors planning the development, said improvements in excavating technology had reduced the risk of landslides.

Brazier Motti senior principal Stephen Motti, who represented the 13 nearby residents who made submissions against the development, said it did not specifically address the risks associated with building on such a steep and rocky site.

“The submitters ( of the objections) also had a geotechnical report … which suggested a degree of risk remains at this location,” he said.

Residents also claimed the increase in traffic would reduce safe access to Carter St.

The proposed development will go before the next full council meeting on April 22, for final approval.