The Local - Mt VictoriaResidents of Rixon Grove, whose properties border the proposed new Westbourne Grove apartment block, say they are very worried about the impact the multi-unit development will have on the liveability of their homes.
Rixon Grove is a small cul de sac off Austin Street, that sits below the elevated Westbourne site. Three Rixon Grove properties are immediately adjacent the Westbourne property, where the large old house is proposed to be knocked down and turned into 30 ‘high end’ apartments.
One neighbour, Denise Keay, said the proposed development did not take account of the land contours of the area.
“As anyone who has walked up Elizabeth Street, along Austin Street or up Rixon Grove or Pirie Street would know, the heights of the sections vary considerably.
“The upper end of Rixon Grove sits considerably below 43 Austin Street and, because the houses are close to each other, for many the main source of sun and outlook is to the north.
“Accordingly, a number of Rixon Grove residents are seriously concerned about the impact a high rise to the north would have on our small street and the liveability of our houses.”
Keay said she was not opposed to the Westbourne itself being demolished, and replaced with some form of multi-unit development.
“I’m not averse to the place being developed but I would have thought maybe four townhouses that were carefully constructed to allow for spaces of light. And they would fit in much better with the environment up there.”
Her concerns were shared by another property owner in the street, who didn’t want his name published.
He said he had spent three years and a lot of money and effort bringing a character house up to building code so it could be tenanted – only to find the sun and privacy of his flats threatened by the new development.
“I’ve done 3 years of hard slog to reburbish [the house] back up to code, with insulation, double glazing.”
His objection was to the size of the development.
“I don’t care if something goes in there but not that monstrosity.”
He objected to the fact the new development appeared to be aimed at wealthy clientele.
“The [zoning] rules were supposed to be reviewed for more affordable housing to go in, but these [apartments] are one to two million dollars each. I don’t see the point.
“Four townhouses would be nice. But not a six-storey tower.”
The residents of Rixon Grove said they had not been consulted on the development.
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