The proposed development is slated for the vacant land on 6 Antonio Place in Collina. Photo: realestate.com.au.
Griffith City Council has approved a proposed two-storey, four-dwelling housing complex in Collina despite objections from neighbours.
Businessman Rodney Salvestro of Salvstro Enterprises submitted a development application (DA) to construct two three-bedroom and two four-bedroom houses in the one structure on the vacant land at 6 Antonio Place, near Ted Scobie Oval and Scenic Hill.
While such DAs can be approved by the council bureaucracy, this matter was referred to councillors to vote on because neighbours lodged submissions objecting to it. They cited concerns about excessive shadowing of sunlight, loss of privacy and the proposed new dwelling being out of character with the rest of the street.
“There are no other two-storey buildings in the immediate area, making these units out of character for the street and an eyesore,” one objector wrote.
“These units are asylum in appearance and significantly subtract from the street appeal, potentially impacting upon property prices.”
Another submission stated: “As a long-term resident of this quiet cul-de-sac, I have serious concerns regarding the impact this development will have on the amenity, character, and liveability of our street … the proposed development will significantly increase overshadowing in the street … [it] will block the street view of Scenic Hill, an aesthetic appeal of the street and Collina area.”
Concerns were also raised about the development causing parking and traffic congestion on the street.
“Our development has been designed in a way that we can provide all of the required parking and then some on our site,” Mr Salvestro’s representative Martin Ruggeri told councillors at the recent meeting in which the DA was discussed.
Council’s development assessors recommended approving the application.
“Having considered the submissions received, the assessment determined that the proposal is in accordance with the applicable planning controls and principles relating to height, bulk, scale, privacy, solar access, and parking requirement. On this basis, council can support the development application, and approval is recommended,” a report prepared for councillors stated.
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the development.
“I understand the concerns of the neighbours and their objections but I’m pleased to see they’ve been addressed by our staff,” Deputy Mayor Anne Napoli said.
“This is a great investment in our community because we do need housing. I’d like to encourage more development and we are supporting developers.”
The decision comes just two weeks after the council rejected a proposed 21-unit housing development near the hospital, which received several more submissions against it from neighbouring residents. Council concluded that it created “unacceptable risk of traffic incidents”.
The applicant, Sydney-based solicitor Mark Secivanovic, disagreed, and has taken the council to the Land and Environment Court (LEC) in a bid to have the decision overturned. A LEC hearing is scheduled for this matter on 22 September.
