The new wave of consumer advocacy: The Metro Central Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) has approved its plans for 82 residential units in two buildings over four storeys, a community centre and café at its headquarters in Manning, 11km south of the Perth CBD, despite some residents labelling the project an “overdevelopment”.
Southcare’s previous application was knocked back by the JDAP last October 2017 because of its impact on surrounding homes.
But after several mediation sessions at the State Administrative Tribunal, revised plans including more landscaping, were approved 4-1.
Southcare CEO Nicky Howe tells us the project – a first for the NFP which provides aged care, home care and community services – will address a shortage of seniors’ housing in the area. Their research in 2016 showed over 27,000 people in a 10km radius were aged over 55.
They have also been in consultation with residents about the project for the last six years, undertaking letter box drops 300% above what is required for all their community consultation forums.
“Of all the people we have consulted with, a significant proportion have not opposed this development,” Dr Howe says.
The first stage of the project will now start early next year with the second stage due to be completed in 2022.
