Changes to $25m Como high-rise approved

The Joint Development Assessment Panel has unanimously approved a suite of major amendments to a contentious $25 million high-rise development in Como expected to lessen its impact on surrounding residents.

The revised development application, filed by Subiaco-based architectural firm Hillam Architects on behalf of proprietary company Olivii and Singapore-based boutique business consultancy firm Pace Assets International, was unanimously approved by the metro inner-south joint development assessment panel during a meeting this morning and will take the 10-storey development from 81 to 65 dwellings.

The development will be built on a 2,124 square metre block on Lockhart Street within walking distance of the Canning Bridge Train Station and features 65 dwellings, two commercial tenancies, 114 car parking bays, a gym, outdoor swimming pool deck, outdoor BBQ areas, roof viewing deck and landscaped garden spaces.

The new plan equates to a reduction of 16 apartments, the deletion of the second basement level, additional car parking on Level 1, changes to building setbacks, and the relocation of the residential amenity area from Level 1 to Level 2.

As has been the case with several high-rise developments proposed for the area, which predominantly consists of single-storey homes, the plans proved contentious when they were first lodged in 2018.

Seven submissions opposing the proposal were received during the public consultation period, each of which raised concerns about the number of dwellings, storeys and car bays, the impact it could have on the value of nearby properties and the effect of additional traffic on the quiet street.

Residents also argued that the development was “not in keeping” with the character of the area.

The development application was initially refused by the former Metro Central development assessment panel in March of 2019, but was reconsidered and granted conditional approval in September after the applicant took the decision to the state’s State Administrative Tribunal.

In the supporting statements filed alongside the recommendation, City of South Perth officers acknowledged that the amended proposal would have an amenity impact on surrounding properties, including overshadowing of neighbouring properties and increases to local traffic volumes, but that those impacts had been reduced in the revised proposal.

In a public deputation, Hillam Architects director Mandy Leung told the panel the amended plans resulted in greater privacy for surrounding residents, greater access to natural light and improved ventilation for the residential dwellings.

Councillor Glenn Cridland acknowledged that the proposal had been contentious, but stressed that members of the panel were not at liberty to make changes to the original proposal and could only consider the amendments proposed.

“Any substantial development has an impact, and I know residents were concerned about sunlight and the setback of the building,” he said.

“The significant changes to the setback for the building will be nice, but the issue of privacy remains - people will still be looking down.

“The residents affected have my sympathy, and I mean that sincerely, but it doesn’t give rise to me to move any sort of amendment.”

Olivii hopes to launch the project proposal in the first quarter of this year.