Duplex angers residents

Kelly and Lucas Cavanagh, 4, and Ashley Sanders are infuriated with the council’s decision to allow a duplex development next to their properties.

Liz Carson

KOOWIN Dr residents are fuming that an application for a duplex in their street has been approved by Gladstone Regional Council.

A material change of use of premises application for 17 Koowin Dr, Emmadale Gardens, was approved at yesterday's council meeting.

But it was not without a fight.

Councillor Matt Burnett put forward a motion to refuse the application on the grounds of traffic concerns and the duplex would affect the amenity of the area.

"Residents were previously told there was not going to be any duplexes," he said.

Despite the support of Mayor Gail Sellers and councillor Rick Hansen, the motion was lost.

The proposed development received 31 submissions against it from home owners in the surrounding area, who are concerned the approval for the application will set a precedent for similar applications.

Ashley Sanders lives next door to the property and is one of a group of residents who would appeal the approval by council.

"We don't think it's right, it's supposed to be a master plan community," he said.

Mr Sanders believes the two three-bedroom units would devalue houses in the area and put off potential buyers.

He moved from Blackwater to Gladstone in 2009 to bring his children up in a family-orientated community and didn't want to see that change.

Justin and Kelly Cavanagh are building a home on the other side of 17 Koowin Dr and were given a verbal assurance from council that there would be no duplexes built in Emmadale Gardens.

They purchased the section three years ago, and their house should be completed in about six weeks.

"It was a nice family environment and we'd prefer it to stay that way," Mr Cavanagh said.

In his submission against the development, he said the proposed design did not maintain the character of the locality, nor did it address parking on the narrow street.

"There are areas in the Gladstone area that have been specifically set aside for this type of development," he said.

"This area is not one."