REDLAND City Council has approved a contentious application to add a ninth storey to a proposed eight-storey apartment building in Cleveland, increasing the total units from 44 to 48.
The motion passed despite vocal opposition from Division 2 councillor Cr Peter Mitchell and some local residents who raised concerns about the impact on neighbourhood character, overshadowing and infrastructure.
Cr Rowanne McKenzie, who spoke in favour of the proposal, acknowledged that while the current City Plan did not fully support buildings of this height in the area, it was outdated and no longer reflected recent growth patterns.
“Nearby buildings already reach eight storeys, and other proposals for similar heights are underway,” Cr McKenzie said.
“The Southeast Queensland Regional Plan 2023 and Redland Housing Strategy encourage higher density living in key centres like Cleveland.
“This application supports more housing choices and helps meet the demands of our growing population.”
She also pointed out that expert assessments found the extra storey would have minimal visual impact on the streetscape, with design features reducing privacy and overshadowing issues.
In contrast, Cr Peter Mitchell voiced strong opposition, emphasising the concerns of residents in neighbouring complexes about privacy, overshadowing, and the building’s scale dominating the streetscape.
“Residents have legitimate concerns that approving this will set a precedent for ignoring community voices and planning controls,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Infrastructure isn’t keeping pace with growth, and it’s unfair to expect local communities to bear the brunt of that.”
Councillor Lance Hewlett supported the application, highlighting the importance of infill development in established centres like Cleveland.
“Cleveland has the infrastructure, public transport, and amenities to support increased density,” Cr Hewlett said.
“Apartment living is becoming a necessary option as detached homes grow less affordable.
“The ninth storey is set back, reducing visual impact, and refusal risks costly legal challenges for Council.”
The site is occupied by a three-storey motel, with car parking and communal open space, further diminishing accommodation space.
The approval highlights the ongoing challenge the Council faces in balancing rapid population growth with preserving neighbourhood amenity and responding to community concerns.
The City Plan is currently undergoing review to better align with the region’s growth and sustainability goals, but residents remain watchful as the debate over urban density continues in the Redlands.
