Prospect residents want limit on building heights

The Prospect High Rise Protest Group has started a petition to lobby State Government to rethink inner metropolitan growth. (LtoR) Kate Barrett, Noles Beddome, Anna Pigliacelli, Peter Langhans, Margaret Prideaux, Stathis Avramis and Bronwyn Newett. Picture: Luke Hemer Source: adelaidenow

THE debate over new building height limits through Prospect has taken a new twist, with more than 600 people signing a petition against high density living.

It comes as a leading developer and the local council endorse moves the raise the local skyline.

The petition, started by the Prospect High Rise Protest Group, follows the State Government release of plans to increase building heights to up to 10-storeys in city fringe suburbs.

Buildings along Churchill Rd could be raised up to five-storeys from the existing three with one eight-storey development.

Along Prospect Rd it could rise from two to four storeys and, along Main North Rd, from three to five.

Group co-ordinator and Prospect resident Bronwyn Mewett said 630 residents already had signed the petition.Government to cater for the state's projected 560,000 population increase during the next 30 years.

Prospect Council acting chief executive Deb Richardson said the community concerns needed to be investigated.

"Increased traffic flow, public transport and potential health impacts are just some of the issues which need to be investigated," Ms Richardson said.

"However, the council does not think the heights are excessive ... but we understand the community's concerns."

Maras Group managing director Steve Maras, whose company wants to build a cinema on Prospect Rd, said the group hoped building height limits could be raised to allow his development to go ahead.

Mr Maras said a four-storey development within the Prospect Rd Village Heart was "more than reasonable and appropriate".

"We strongly believe in delivering sustainable, long-term, mixed-use developments that create something special for the local community and assists in increasing the vibrancy and attractiveness of the precinct," he said.

Mr Maras said the group had received "strong support" from most local residents.

A timeframe on a decision had not been made by Planning Minister John Rau when the City North Messenger went to press.

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