A proposed development to reconfigure one lot at the corner of Jesmond Rd and Cubberla St into five separate lots is facing significant backlash from Fig Tree Pocket locals who are citing concerns over the potential impact on the suburb’s “unique rural character.”
The Proposal
The Development Application (A006403679), lodged by Hayden Forrester in November 2023, seeks to subdivide the land on the corner of 571 Jesmond Road and 68 Cubberla Street. The proposal also includes plans to donate a portion of the land to Fig Tree Pocket State School to expand its grounds.
According to the town planning report, the development is intended to address population pressures and provide additional housing options in the area, which has seen high demand due to its proximity to quality schools and Brisbane’s CBD.
The application details that the proposed subdivision is “timely, given the current population pressures evident across greater Brisbane.” The report further argues that the new lots will offer “well-located housing and maximise land use efficiency whilst maintaining a configuration that is highly sympathetic to the character of Fig Tree Pocket.”
The site is currently zoned as “Rural,” which typically restricts development to agricultural or large, rural homes. However, the report argues that the site’s characteristics do not align with typical rural land, making it more suitable for residential use. The surrounding area includes residential zones, a school, and some community facilities, supporting the rezoning argument.
The application’s public notification period ran from 8 July to 29 July 2024, during which time local residents were invited to submit their feedback on the proposal.
Opposition and Concerns
The DA received 62 responses from the public. Out of these, 24 people supported the proposal, while 38 were against it.
The people who opposed the proposal had several concerns:
- They worried that the development would harm the rural (country-like) feel of the area.
- They feared it could lead to more developments in rural areas, setting a bad example.
- They were concerned about increased traffic and parking problems.
- They were worried about possible flooding.
- They questioned the idea of giving one of the lots to the school, especially since that lot might be prone to flooding.
A detailed letter opposing the development outlined several specific concerns, including the potential increase in traffic along Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket Road, and other local streets.
The local warned that the development could exacerbate congestion, particularly at the intersection of Jesmond Road and Cubberla Street, which is already a “dangerous place for school children” during peak times. The letter also raised environmental concerns, noting that the development could displace local wildlife, such as birds, frogs, and echidnas, which are known to inhabit the area.
“Development of 571 Jesmond Road specifically will likely be inconsistent with the ‘rural’ intent for that part of Fig Tree Pocket.”
Community Support
Some residents have expressed strong support for the subdivision, viewing it as a necessary step to address the area’s housing shortage. One couple who frequently travels to Fig Tree Pocket submitted a letter backing the development.
“Given the three excellent schools in Fig Tree Pocket, this subdivision would go some way towards alleviating these pressures by providing additional, well-located housing options,” they wrote. The couple, who live in Oxley but have a child attending a school in Fig Tree Pocket, highlighted the limited housing availability in the area, noting that many families like theirs are eager to move closer to the schools.
They also praised the proposal to donate land to the state school as a generous act that would benefit the school community.
“We believe the proposed dedication of land to the state school to enable an expansion to their grounds is a generous offer and should deliver significant benefits to that school community,” they stated. Their support is grounded in the belief that the development will serve a community need by offering more housing opportunities while also enhancing local educational facilities.
Brisbane City Council is currently reviewing the application, with a decision expected soon. The proposal has already completed all public notification requirements, and the next steps will involve the council assessing the merits and concerns raised during the community consultation period.
Published 2-Aug-2024