The Sunshine Coast Council has approved a planning change that will allow 15-storey buildings and almost double the number of units in a local town centre.
Councillors voted to approve a temporary local planning instrument for the Birtinya town centre that would increase the maximum height of buildings from 10 to 15 storeys, although at least six buildings at six sites will be capped at 12 storeys.
The TLPI, if approved by the state planning minister, will amend the framework governing residential development in the town centre, the last greenfield site in the Birtinya area.
The TLPI will allow up to 2600 units to be built in the town centre, up from the previous figure of 1333, and there will be 60 per cent more open space than allowed for in the Birtinya town centre master plan.
The meeting heard the overall population of the area would not be more than planned because the increased density made up for a shortfall in dwellings in already developed precincts.
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The TLPI will allow for the potential development of a hotel on council-owned land at Eastbank, next to Sportsman’s Parade, and allow for an alternative location for the future Birtinya library/learning and cultural centre.
The TLPI that was put to the vote had been tweaked to remove a provision for 18-storey buildings in response to feedback during public consultation last year.
The size of a precinct park was also boosted from 2500sqm to 3500 to 3900sqm, and includes a 1000sqm kick-and-throw space.
Several councillors who spoke in favour of the TLPI said they were pleased that it would support housing diversity and affordability, and that the area was ideal for increased population because of its proximity to health services, employment and future public transport.
Sunshine Coast councillor Tim Burns said he was pleased the council was a step closer to delivering well-located and well-serviced diverse housing.
“This proposal came about because of the urgent need for more residential development amidst a housing crisis,” he said.
“Birtinya town centre is an ideal location to provide more residential density as it already has the infrastructure capacity to support additional development.
“By increasing the housing supply in a well-serviced area, we can offer diverse and affordable housing and accommodation options that cater to everyone, while supporting a lively town centre.
“Not only will the town centre provide services and facilities to our growing population, importantly it will also provide new employment opportunities.”
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Councillor Joe Natoli spoke passionately against the TLPI, saying while he agreed with it in principle, had had trouble with it making more money for the developer, Stockland, and he “struggled to explain to people why we should be a player in this”.
He also spoke about state government infrastructure failing to keep pace with growth, particularly in terms of roads and public transport.
“When they say that this is not going to be impacted – the traffic modelling says there’s no impact – I can’t believe it, because you’re putting an extra 2600 dwellings, potentially another 5000 vehicles, if every person owns a car, and it’s not going to impact the roads?” he said.
“Of course it is, because it’s already congested in those key points.”
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Cr Burns acknowledged that 70 per cent to 75 per cent of the Birtinya residents who participated in consultation did not support the TLPI but he said he supported it because it was good for the greater region.
The TLPI was approved nine to two, opposed by Cr Natoli and Cr Ted Hungerford, who did not speak about it but has previously stated he will not support increased density because the community does not want it.
It is the second TLPI passed by the current council, which last year approved one to provide height and parking relaxations to luxury hotels in the lead-up to the Olympics.
