Rydges Hotels' plan to build a four-storey pod accommodation in Fremantle failed to clear a planning hurdle after an assessment panel was unable to decide on the $8 million proposal despite a two-hour meeting.
Kvarken Pty Ltd, owned by Rydges Hotels, proposed to build a backpackers accommodation on 19 Essex Street, Fremantle.
The Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel today voted to defer the application for up to 120 days, after members were unable to solve parking and scale issues during the almost two-hour meeting.
The proposed tourist development comprises 80 rooms with 247 beds, communal dining, kitchen, bathroom, and bar.
It would be operated as LyLo, a brand of budget accommodation under EVT which also operates Rydges Hotel Fremantle, QT Perth and Alex Hotel.
The guest rooms typology would be a mix of eight-person pod, four-person pod, twin rooms, and queen rooms with an ensuite, according to the development application.
Fremantle locals had presented at the DAP meeting, voicing their concerns over the proposed four-storey height among a predominantly single and double storey buildings, and impact to the heritage facade of the area.
The City of Fremantle council also opposed the project, recommending the DAP refuse the proposal.
But majority of panel members supported DAP presiding member Lee O'Donohue's suggestion to defer the application, to give the applicant time to solve the issues.
"I'd hate to refuse it outright and it’ll go to the State Administrative Tribunal," Ms O'Donohue said.
"But this is a city centre so I think this is an appropriate land use and innovative model.
"I do think there are some issues around bulk and scale and height at the rear."
Kvarken bought the Essex Street site for $6 million in October 2023, RP data shows.
