The City of Stirling is investigating a Nollamara backyard development after concerns that a single granny flat approval has resulted in what neighbours describe as an “accommodation village” on a residential street.
Neighbours Raise Complaints
Nearby residents raised complaints with the city during public question time at a recent council meeting, citing loss of privacy and amenity on Slindon Street. A building permit for a new residential modular ancillary dwelling valued at $120,000 was granted by the city last October, and three structures were craned into the backyard this April.
Ancillary dwellings in the City of Stirling are typically required to be 70 square metres to be deemed compliant with planning requirements, but proposals for larger dwellings can be submitted.
Resident Voices Concerns
Local resident Michael Cain said he believes that even if the development is found to be compliant, concerns remain about the impact on nearby residents. “I can understand putting in a granny flat, but not three, you know, not turning a backyard into a workers’ accommodation village,” Mr Cain said.
“It’s just so imposing over our fence to our outdoor area and pool, as this thing sits probably well over a metre above the fence line, and there’s a window looking basically straight into the back of our garage and kitchen. It’s basically a mine camp.”
Mr Cain added that he cannot put up a higher screen fence because his existing fence is already 2.1 metres, and to go higher he would need his neighbour’s approval, which he finds ironic. “I do think people should be able to do what they want in their backyards, but not to a point where it’s impacting adjoining properties,” he said.
City Investigation Underway
A City of Stirling spokesperson said two formal complaints over the development had been received, prompting the compliance investigation. “City officers have attended the property to inspect the works,” the spokesperson said. “The city understands that the full works associated with the development are not yet complete, as noted when our officers attended the property to inspect the works. The timeframe will depend on the circumstances and the findings as the investigation progresses.”
In response to a question raised at the council meeting over the alleged cumulative impacts of “overlooking, noise transfer, increased occupancy, visual bulk, and reduced privacy on adjoining residents,” city officers said these aspects were being assessed.
Planning Approval vs Building Approval
City officers stated that the site has a building approval but not a planning approval. “The director planning and development advised that this particular site has a building approval, and it does not have a planning approval. Those certain aspects are something that the city would investigate as part of a planning approval. The city does need to collect evidence and undertake site inspections. It can be a lengthy process sometimes, because it is important that if the city ends up attending the State Administrative Tribunal, that there is adequate supportive evidence.”
If the development is found to be non-compliant, the city said it has a range of enforcement options available under the Planning and Development Act 2005.
