Townhouses and apartment blocks may no longer be welcome in Brisbane’s character suburbs from Tuesday after Brisbane City Council votes on a temporary local planning instrument to protect the backyard from being crowded out.
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In September last year, the council requested state government approval to amend the council’s City Plan 2014, in a bid to prevent apartment blocks and townhouses from being built on blocks larger than 3000 square metres in low-density residential zoned suburbs.
The request for a two-year protection order would stop larger developments from moving into suburbs that are traditionally single houses with large backyards.
Last month the state government told council it was seeking more information from the council on how the proposed ban would affect dwelling targets, prompting the council to seek the temporary local planning instrument (TLPI) while the state deliberated.
City planning chairman Matthew Bourke said the TLPI would protect the “character” of Brisbane suburbs.
“Council wants to put a stop to cookie-cutter townhouse developments and instead protect the Brisbane backyard and unique character,” Cr Bourke said.
“Introducing a TLPI will ensure the character of our low-density residential zone is protected from future developments while approval for public consultation and ultimately adoption into the City Plan is granted by the State Government.
“The proposed TLPI will stop townhouses and apartments being built in areas for single homes.”
Cr Bourke said residents had made it clear to the council that retaining the style and size of the city’s suburbs was important as Brisbane expanded.
Labor councillor Jared Cassidy said the opposition had made an urgency motion in council on October 23 to enact a TLPI to protect the character of suburbs, but it was rejected by the council.
The council will vote on the motion at the first council meeting after the summer recess on Tuesday.
At Tuesday’s committee meetings, a petition will also be submitted to the council requesting it “compulsorily acquire” the Broadway Hotel, which was left almost destroyed after a fire in September.
Community members anxious about the state of the heritage-listed hotel, which has remained derelict for years, are asking the council to purchase the hotel and restore it for community use.
