THE developer of a Mt Hawthorn apartment block that was rejected by Vincent council has confirmed he’s appealing to the powerful but unelected state administrative tribunal, which has the authority to overturn decisions made by elected councils.
Six locals fronted the final council meeting of 2013, saying the project was too big and would bring extra traffic to Shakespeare Street.
Dominations Homes managing director Domenic Minniti says the 18-unit plan is largely compliant with local planning rules about overlooking and having the driveway cross the minor street rather than feed cars into a busier road makes sense.
Neighbour Vanessa Lombardo criticised the developer’s communication and said she’d had trouble getting hold of him via phone and email after part of her backyard was damaged by the demolition.
Mr Minniti says the criticism was unfair, as he’d taken care to keep locals informed and has an email trail showing he’d alerted neighbours to the date of demolition and erected a replacement fence for the parapet wall that was removed.
“If I had done the wrong thing I’d cop it on the chin,” Mr Minniti told the Voice.
The matter will now go to mediation, and progress to a full SAT hearing if agreement can’t be reached.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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