Perth Voice Interactive

IN a rare win for ratepayers over developers, Bayswater council has confirmed it has no plans to develop a prime development site in Maylands and will instead enshrine it as a park.

At this coming week’s meeting, the council will vote on whether to forward a scheme amendment to rezone 1 Kelvin Street in Maylands to “local open space” to planning minister John Carey with a recommendation he wave it through.

The 914sqm lot currently has a medium-to-high density zoning of R50 and is a block away from the Maylands Coles on Guildford Road, and with neighbouring lots with up to four houses on them, would be a dream for a developer.

But a council report notes that the community has already come to view the shady hideaway as a park already, and consultation showed 100 per cent support to keep it that way.

Recent enhancements, including the installation of play equipment, landscaping features, footpaths, and seating, have further solidified its status as a cherished communal retreat.

“The nature of the submissions related to the high value of the park to the community including its trees, native species and play equipment,” the report said.

“The community use the park for enjoyment, learning, family bonding, connecting with the wider community, and for a place to enjoy a native vegetated space.“