The nine-storey apartment project, which was scaled down from its initial form, has been given the green light at a JDAP meeting today.
A plan by Celsius Property Group to build a nine-storey apartment complex in North Perth has been approved by planning authorities.
The $110 million plan underwent several revisions since it was proposed at least two years ago, including a recent height reduction of 13 to nine storeys and 24 per cent reduction in plot ratio.
An earlier iteration of the design went up to 16 storeys, which drew widespread community opposition.
A Metro Inner-North Joint Development Assessment Panel has today approved the 104-dwelling development, voting three to one.
Celsius Property Group director and project manager Andrew Peirce said the proposal would renew the town centre and deliver a vibrant food and retail precinct.
He spruiked the sustainability of the development and said the issues raised in earlier deputations had been addressed.
“We understand that infill developments inevitably result in changes for local residents, however, the community benefits of this project far outweigh the perceived impacts,” Mr Peirce said.
Speaking after the meeting, he said Celsius was delighted with the outcome.
"We appreciate the effort that went in from the city’s planning officers and design review panel," Mr Peirce told Business News .
"These things take a long time to craft and it’s important to bring the planners along with you for the journey; we brought them along with the objectives we’re trying to achieve and they’ve been very constructive."
Mr Peirce added that the project would bring something new to the suburb.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to bring housing choice," he said.
"North Perth is an older suburb and there are no three-bedroom apartments there at the moment, and this gives downsizers an opportunity to continue to live in a suburb where they’ve been for a lifetime and not have to move.
“It’s apparent to us that North Perth has been caught in a bit of a time warp and is in desperate need of some quality renewal.”
City of Vincent Mayor Alison Xamon voiced her opposition to the project’s height, bulk and scale, which she said would lead to overshadowing of neighbouring properties and traffic congestion.
“This is far more than the city’s planning framework envisages and should be refused due to the impact on the local community," Ms Xamon said.
“The City of Vincent has embraced increased density targets but in doing so we’re seeking to enhance not overwhelm our town centres.”
She added that the local government area was seeking to exceed its state government mandated density targets by developing the south of the city.
“We want to ensure our density is done well, situated where it’s appropriate and that we don’t inadvertently destroy the elements of our town centre that attract people to this area in the first place,” Ms Xamon said.
In response to Ms Xamon's comments about the local government looking to add density to the southern area of Vincent, Mr Peirce said this did not necessarily align with residents' desires.
“Putting density on freeways or train lines is not necessarily where people want to live. It’s important we allow density options where people want to live, with walkable amenity to shops and restaurants and parks," he said.
The development has an estimated end value of $110 million.
Space Collective Architects designed the residential component of the development and Graham Taylor designed the commercial elements.
Celsius plans to start construction in the second half of next year.
