TIGHTER RULES FOR GOLD COAST DEVELOPMENTS

Acting Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas will direct the Gold Coast City Council to tighten part of its planning scheme which offers developers ‘bonuses’ in the form of relaxed building codes.

The directive is the result of extensive consideration of a highrise development at Main Beach, which the Acting Premier “called in” earlier this year.

“I have given this “call in” the most careful consideration, not only taking advice from an independent planning expert and my Department but also having these opinions peer reviewed,” said Mr Lucas.

“In line with the recommendations of this peer review, I have decided to approve this development with tighter conditions.

“However, there is a wider problem here with a lack of transparency and certainty around these ‘bonuses’ for developers.

“I will therefore direct the Council to repeal this Planning Scheme Policy and replace it with a new Development Code.

“Not only will this openly explain exactly how these bonuses are calculated, butthe community will alsohave the chance to provide feedback and the development code will require my approval.

“This will shine a light into the murky corners of these planning rules and leave absolutely no doubt everything is above board.

The existing Planning Scheme Policy 18 allows the floor space or plot ratios of developments to be increased if they achieve high standards of design or include ‘public benefit components’.

“This is a very important policy that actively encourages developers to strive for designs that are better for the community and not just build concrete blocks,” said Mr Lucas

“It also allows developers to pay for improvements to parklands, public amenities, landscaping, streetscapes and infrastructure such as bridges or boardwalks.

“In return they can receive relaxations that substantially boost the value of a development.

“The problem is the Planning Policy is vague and ambiguous in parts which leaves it open to misuse, although there is no suggestion this has actually happened.

“While some of the bonuses are calculated using hard-and-fast formulas, others—to quote the policy—are determined on merit.

“In other words, they are left to the discretion of council officers.

“Not only will the new Development Code need to provide clear guidance for staff and councillors, it will allow the public to anticipate the scale of development allowed.”

The “called in” development, at 3496-3498 Main Beach Parade, featured a developer contribution of $1.16 million towards improving the nearby heritage-listed Cable Park.

Council approved the 17-storey apartment building with a plot ratio and floor space beyond the usual limits.

Other concerns raised included the development’s potential impact on neighbours’ natural light, outlook, privacy and air circulation.

“I want to make it clear that while there are deficiencies in its planning policy, the Gold Coast City Council did not act improperly in approving this application,” said Mr Lucas.

“After the most careful consideration, it is clear this development meets and exceeds other planning codes in terms of its height, density, design and amenity, all of which are very important aspects of development assessment.

“I am satisfied the development does not detract from the open urban character of the area and have approved the application.

“However I have directed there must be tighter conditions on the $1.16 million developer contribution.

“This will make sure it used for the park embellishments and any money leftover is spent on improving the adjoining roads and foreshore.”

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge – 0419 757 868 Matthew Klar – 0437 435 223