Residents set for unit project battle
By Lisa Joyce

Toowong residents have embarked on round two of a campaign to alter a high-density duplex development in Vera Street.

Brisbane City Council received 50 objections to Queensland Equity Project's original proposal to build seven duplexes at 9 Vera Street, 37 of which were upheld. Council rejected that application but is now considering a second application.

Residents have raised concerns over car parking and emergency vehicle access.

West Toowong Community Association spokeswoman Susan Leggett said residents were concerned about the impact of cars parking on the narrow street. "There are 10 car park spaces and with each unit having three bedrooms there could be up to 21 cars so the overflow would have to go on the street," Mrs Leggett said.

"This raises serious concerns in the context of an emergency where residents or visitor vehicles leaving or parked in Vera Street may affect emergency vehicle access to properties.

"We have had two house fires in Toowong in the past 18 months and if congestion meant fire trucks or ambulances couldnÕt get through the street it is a problem."

Queensland Equity Projects managing director Keith Batt said the application met town planning requirements and residents had no ground to object. "We are only building our development and doing our application on the basis of what is under the town plan and so we can't be crucified for following that," he said.

Brisbane City Council rejected the development groupÕs original application on the grounds an existing house on the sit would be demolished. Under the new application the house is retained.

Ms Leggett said council had advised the association its original objections were one of the largest number of submissions council had received to a development. Under the current town plan the application does not have to be publicly advertised, meaning residents who object have no right to appeal council's decision. However, council urban planning committee chairman Tim Quinn said council would consider the submissions.

Thanks to the Westside News, who published this article on wednesday, June 28, 2000