ONE Fraser’s Landing resident says “the most disturbing” part about the development’s modified outline development plan (ODP) receiving preliminary approval was the response from councillors.
Orian McGann said in spite of a number of visits by various councillors and their encouraging attitudes, it was disappointing to see the elected members believed their hands were tied when it came to giving a preliminary decision on Frasers Mandurah Pty Ltd’s ODP changes.
“I was quite shocked when I heard they thought there wasn’t any grounds to refuse the plan,” he said.
“This is patently untrue.
“Councils have the power and the duty to reject planning proposals for a whole myriad of reasons.
“Not only has the ODP changed slightly, it has changed entirely.
“That in itself is a reason to not approve it.”
Frasers Mandurah prevously said they wanted to change the ODP because the lots were no longer selling.
Mr McGann said he thought the development lots had been “selling like hotcakes” recently.
At last Tuesday’s council meeting, councillor Peter Jackson described the feeling of residents as a “sense of betrayal” and said the development’s changes were “wrong”.
“This is obviously going to be a difficult and controversial decision,” Cr Ron Wortley said.
“The original concept, proposal and vision have now changed.
“Our staff has recommended this because there doesn’t seem to be enough grounds to say ‘sorry we refuse this’.”
“Why can’t the developer see this is what people want?” councillor Don Pember said.
“This is about community living.
“We want the community to live in harmony.
“In pure planning terms, there can be no compromise [on the changes to the development].”
The City of Mandurah was contacted for comment.
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