DEVELOPMENT plans have come under the microscope after properties were flooded due to alleged poor drainage at a Birkdale street.
Residents living in Gardenia Drive are at their wits end with the cul de sac development, saying the plans are outdated and storm water drainage is insufficient.
Merv Mortensen and David Brewer have kept an eye on the development since 2016.
"The original plan from 2016 shows the property is divided into four lots. There were five drain holes marked on the plans, however now there are only two. When it rains, the water rushes down the side of the houses, backs up into the cul de sac and flooding is a real concern," Mr Brewer said.
Residents have opposed the development since 2016 when Mr Brewer submitted a petition to council about potential for traffic congestion, safety of children in the street and environmental impact.
Mr Moretensen's garden and patio were flooded during storms last week, and neighbours say there are more concerns with the development.
"About 20 trucks came and dumped soil on the property," Mr Mortensen said.
Council engineers have investigated however Mr Brewer and Mr Mortensen say they have not got any more information about the development.
Matthew Hansen owns a house on Rossinton Street which backs onto the site and said he was concerned that council regulations in relation to raising the level of the block were possibly not being followed.
He said there was a lack of transparency from council and no plans were available.
"I have no issue with development in the Redlands, but this is out of control," he said.
A council spokesperson said council was working with the developer's consulting engineer and project manager to ensure they complied with approval conditions.
Cr Tracey Huges said she had witnessed the residents' distress during the past week.
"Particularly on three separate occasions when it has rained, the ongoing flooding they have endured as a direct result of the development at 42 Gardenia Drive Birkdale is terrible," she said.
Cr Huges said she had organised a meeting between residents and council management tomorrow.
"The frustration of residents is the apparent delay in council addressing the areas of concern and the time-critical nature of the development as it changes daily, combined with the threat of future weather events.
"I understand that compliance issues take time to investigate, however that is not something that the residents have. They are suffering ongoing fear about the impacts of the development to their property," she said.
The companies handling the plans for the construction, DRW Consulting and Pembroke Construction were contacted for comment.
Angela Kelly
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
