The future of the Sorrento foreshore has been thrown into doubt once again after the Department of Planning recommended the WAPC approve the proposed six-storey development, despite fierce objection from local residents and modified recommendations from the City of Joondalup.
Locals took up the fight against the plan earlier this year, after the landowners behind the New Sorrento Plaza plan proposed a four to six-storey mixed-use development at the West Coast Drive site.
The site is a popular hot spot for locals - home to Voyage Kitchen, Madam Queenies, West Coast Yoga and next to secondary school Sacred Heart College.
The plan prompted quick community backlash, and City of Joondalup councillors responded by toning down the developers' plans for the proposal.
"The City has recommended that the height be reduced to four-storeys, raising concerns regarding the impact of six storeys on the character of the area," WAPC agenda notes read, regarding the City's recommendation.
Rather than a six-story development, City councillors introduced the four-story limit in response to mass community protest.
Residents welcomed the modified plans proposed by the City, although City of Joondalup officers confirmed the final decision rested with the WA Planning Commission and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti.
However opposing residents were dealt another blow on Tuesday, after the Department of Planning revealed it would recommend the developer's proposed six-storey development be approved, and rejected City officers' official recommendations.
"The subject site is appropriately located for higher density given proximity the recreational and tourism facilities and is positioned at a low point in the overall landscape," meeting notes said.
"Considering the context of the development, five storeys is supported with a six storey landmark element. Building design measures to provide an attractive building facade and appropriate interface with adjoining properties are recommended to ensure that the built form acknowledges and responds to the established character of the area."
The Stop Sorrento High Rise action group was particularly critical of the department for "ignoring" the City's recommendation, and said it did not take the concerns of local residents into account.
"Unfortunately the Department of Planning has effectively ignored the recommendation of the City of Joondalup Council to restrict development at this site to a four-storey maximum in order to avoid excessive bulk/scale having detrimental impacts on the local Sorrento community - in particular, to the residences directly adjoining," a spokesperson said.
The City undertook community consultation when considering their recommendations, and the proposal has previously attracted 617 public submissions.
The council received notice of 407 objections, 117 questionnaires from a community meeting held by the ratepayers' association, of which 110 were objections and two petitions supporting the proposal, comprising 25 and 303 signatures.
The conflicting recommendations are set to be a real challenge for the WAPC, who will meet to decide the fate of the foreshore on Tuesday September 12.
The meeting is closed to the public.
