Mirvac seeks extra height in Burswood

A contentious plan to increase the height of Mirvac Group's Burswood development by 29 storeys has drawn ire from some locals but gained support from Town of Victoria Park planning officers.

Rowe Group, on behalf of Mirvac, applied to modify the Burswood Lakes Structure Plan and increased building height limits for Mirvac's two remaining undeveloped lots on the Burswood Peninsula.

The amendment seeks to increase the height limit of Lot one, which will house the Tower 7 development, from 12 to 41 storeys and an increase from six to eight storeys in Lot 21.

Mirvac's apartment complex project The Peninsula Burswood is expected to have a project value of $838.2 million with the latest approved eight-storey apartment, Ador, expected to reach $96 million.

A report prepared by Town of Victoria Park planning officers suggested the council support the revised plan and recommend the Western Australian Planning Commission approve it subject to a list of modifications.

"While there are few sites yet to be developed, this amendment seeks to provide greater certainty about the development outcomes for these sites, representing the final lots within the Structure Plan area," the report said.

"Officers remain of the view that the height arc principle has lost relevance given the changed built environment and strategic planning context."

The council will consider the proposed amendment at a meeting later this month.

A proposed amendment to the structure plan. Image: via Town of Victoria Park council agenda

The Burswood Lakes Structure Plan was originally approved in 2003 with amendments passed in 2014 and 2017.

The revised plan attracted some objections when it was advertised for public feedback, with residents opposing the proposed height increase.

"We strongly object to the height of the buildings for the new towers as the concept was in place years ago and that's why most people bought here," one resident said. 

"The height of the towers will look totally out of place. Why can't they stick to their original plan? So over Mirvac getting their own way just because they can afford better lawyers."

Another submission claimed Mirvac had "stuffed around" with this development for more than 20 years.

"I'm more broadly concerned by the fact that amendments are being made to increase height and the number of dwellings within the area against an original Burswood Structure Plan that was created in 2003 and is referenced as being out of date," a local said.

Progression of The Peninsula Burswood on the 17-hectare parcel of land had been marred by delays since the multiple apartment complex was proposed more than a decade ago.

However, the applicant's report said The Peninsula was nearing completion of the last few stages.

Mirvac's responses to objections of the height increase was largely based on the changes Burswood Lakes area has experienced since the 2003 structure plan was finalised.

"There are now a number of buildings of similar or greater scale either completed, under way, approved or proposed in the immediate neighbourhood," the group said.

"This includes the planned high-density redevelopment of the Belmont Park Racecourse, maximum height of 53 storeys, and Burswood station east and west precincts, up to 28 storeys.

"In considering the height of buildings proposed on the site, it is appropriate to consider the height profile of the chain of buildings approved, constructed and proposed in and around the Burswood Peninsula.

"In this new context, the proposed height of buildings will not be out of place. It is also important to note that the general consensus of the design review panel in relation to building height was that the heights proposed were acceptable."

Mirvac also referenced other developments in the area in its response, including the 21-storey The Crest on Goodwood Parade and the recently approved 22-storey mixed-use development on Burswood Road.