Mt Hawthorn Development Proposal Highlights Urban Density Trends
A single Federation-style home on a 478 square metre block in central Mt Hawthorn could be demolished to make way for a significant new development featuring 10 apartments and a cafe. This proposal underscores the increasing pressure on urban land as developers seek to maximise every centimetre amid rising costs and housing demands.
Development Details and Planning Deviations
The plans, designed by Daniel Cassettai, propose a five-storey building at 114 Hobart Street, which currently houses a doctor's clinic. The development would include six two-bedroom apartments and four three-bedroom apartments, totalling 24 bedrooms, along with a 36 square metre cafe. Additional amenities would feature 12 parking bays and six bike racks.
However, the proposal deviates from local planning regulations in several key areas:
- It exceeds the three-storey height limit allowed for the location.
- It seeks relaxation of existing setback requirements, aiming to build closer to all four boundaries.
This approach reflects a broader trend where developers are pushing for higher density and greater flexibility in urban areas to address housing shortages and economic pressures.
Local Objections and Community Concerns
The development has generated significant opposition from local residents, with 11 formal objections submitted to the council. Key concerns raised by complainants include:
- Noise and amenity issues: Residents worry that the cafe's alfresco area, which fronts a quiet residential street, will introduce unwanted noise, odours, and light spill, disrupting the neighbourhood's character.
- Architectural compatibility: Many objectors argue that the proposed black cladding, large glazing panels, and flat parapet roof line do not align with the inter-war Federation-era architecture typical of the area, failing to reflect local identity.
- Construction impacts: Concerns about increased noise, dust, vibration, and general disruption during the building phase have also been voiced.
Despite the site's location in a busy part of Mt Hawthorn, just 50 metres from the Paddington Ale House and near existing commercial establishments like a small bar, restaurant, office, TAB, and beauty salon, residents maintain that the development's scale and design are inappropriate.
Decision Timeline and Broader Implications
The Joint Development Assessment Panel is scheduled to review the proposal on February 24, with approval potentially paving the way for similar high-density projects in the area. This case highlights the ongoing tension between urban development needs and community preservation efforts, as cities grapple with balancing growth and local character.
As urban areas continue to evolve, such developments serve as a microcosm of wider debates over planning, density, and the future of residential neighbourhoods in Australia's growing cities.
