Perth Voice Interactive

REVISIONS to a hotly criticised mixed-use development in Coolbinia have not appeased locals or Stirling councillors, who have recommended the state Development Assessment Panel reject the latest designs.

Willing Property wants to build 33 residences plus shops, a cafe and a bar at the corner of Adair Parade and Walcott Street. 

The five-storey project has not been welcomed by a large majority of neighbours in the low-lying, largely residential surrounds (Voice, April 1, 2023).

In March the DAP deferred initial plans, unsatisfied with the applicant’s approach to the parking setup, the way units would overlook houses to the south, and the plan to truck in commercial goods for the shops and collect rubbish from a narrow rear laneway lined by residences.

The revised plans remove some first floor balconies to reduce overlook, add more parking for shop staff, and relocate the deliveries and waste collection from the laneway to Adair Parade and Walcott Street. 

“The amended proposal represents an exceptionally high quality development that will make a positive contribution to the amenity of the locality,” the new proposal states.

But at the July 4 Stirling council meeting it was clear that opponents were not placated by the changes as one resident after another got up to condemn the plans. 

Among concerns such as road safety, the biggest sticking point was still the five storeys. 

“The community and council’s concerns have not been addressed with the latest amended plans,” resident Julianne Poland says. 

“The plans have not changed in regards to height or overdevelopment, with the amount of apartments, and the lack of parking.” 

The usual guidelines call for three storeys. Willing Property reckons that given the “excellent design, along with the provision of high quality public spaces… and a mix of land uses”, they qualify for two bonus storeys.

Stirling planning staff are still not entirely satisfied with the revised plans, recommending the DAP defer the decision until a road safety audit can be conducted to assess any safety risks from having more traffic going in and out of that corner. 

But Stirling’s staff do think five storeys is reasonable, putting them at odds with their councillors and most locals.

At the July 4 meeting councillors voted not to endorse the staff recommendation, and will put an alternative recommendation in front of the DAP to “refuse” the plans instead of another deferral.

 by DAVID BELL