COUNCIL has refused to approve a controversial 270-lot development at Victoria Point until more planning is done for the area.
Councillors were to vote at Wednesday’s meeting on an application from developer Ausbuild for land at Clay Gully Road and Brendan Way.
Instead Cr Lance Hewlett argued that the decision be deferred until a council-led structure plan was completed for the emerging urban area.
Known as the Victoria Point Local Development Area, the zone is between Bunker, Double Jump and Clay Gully roads and Brendan Way.
Ausbuild joint managing director Matthew Loney – who believed that appropriate planning was already in place – said the council’s decision defied logic and belief.
“We have worked closely and co-operatively with council over the past five years to achieve all of their desired outcomes,” he said. “We have addressed every question and concern with a team of technical experts including community consultation and structure planning, which is why the council officers themselves recommended the sub-division be approved.
“For councillors to now seek another structure plan, will be repeating the same exercise – to get the same outcome – except this time the duplication will come at an enormous cost to ratepayers.”
Addressing council before the debate, resident Chris Burrow said there was no formal structure plan and the development as it had been proposed should not proceed.
“If you decide to proceed we will fight you every step of the way,” he said.
Resident Clive Taylor said roads, services and community space would be impacted by the development.
“I understand the importance of a master plan,” he said.
He warned that a proposed slip lane into Cleveland-Redland Bay Road from Clay Gully Road would mean three lanes merged into one within 100 metres, near an intersection used by large numbers of Victoria Point High School students.
After the meeting Mr Burrow said he felt council had backed the community.
“We hope they consult widely with the community and ask what we would like to see in the area,” he said.
The council report said the development was in conflict with the South East Queensland Regional Plan and the Redlands Planning Scheme. However, council officers said there were sufficient grounds to justify the approval.
Councillors Wendy Boglary, Paul Golle, Mark Edwards, Julie Talty, Tracey Huges, Paul Gleeson and Paul Bishop voted with Cr Hewlett and Cr Murray Elliott against.
Cr Karen Williams did not vote due to a conflict of interest and Cr Peter Mitchell was off sick.
