MASTROCOSTAS TO APPEAL COUNCIL DA DECISION

THE developer behind a proposed 58-unit residential development in the heart of Surfers Paradise will appeal a decision by Gold Coast City Council rejecting the project.

Council officers rejected the DA for the four storey development at Paradise Island by developer Emandar Group, a company owned by George Mastrocostas.

Mastrocostas says the decision is ‘disappointing and unexpected’ due to the fact that the proposed design was ‘very close to the code assessable requirements’ set by local government.

“The professional and legal advice given to us with what is permitted on this site is a three storey walk-up project comprising 52 apartments,” says Mastrocostas.

“We would have not expected the difference between a three-storey to a four-storey development be refused in such a manner without negotiations which council officers have traditionally taken with other developments.

“There were only 15 resident objections made for this development with four originating from the same household. A petition provided to Gold Coast City Council included residents that did not live in Paradise Island but originated from interstate and other areas on the Gold Coast.”

Mastrocostas says the Gold Coast construction landscape is suffering and it’s the smaller projects that keep jobs going in the difficult economic climate for the building industry.

“It’s these types of projects that will actually kick start the economy. With tight lending conditions for major projects over the next 12 months, it will be these smaller developments that will keep the construction industry moving on the Gold Coast,” he says.

Reports that the development is linked to Jim Raptis have been quashed by a project spokesperson, although his son Evan is working on the project. Emandar Group joint ventured with Raptis Group and Crystal Point Pty Ltd on the $85 million Silvershore project at Biggera Waters last year.

According to town planning consultant Michael Falk of Urban Planning Services, the Paradise Island development will have a positive impact on the aesthetic of the area.

“If the major investment of public money in transport infrastructure is to remain viable then population densities need to increase around transit nodes to maximise patronage of the system and to create walkable communities,” says Falk.

“The proposal provides the full complement of car parking for both residents and visitor on site and exceeds the requirements for recreational communal open space.”

Residents formed an action group citing over crowding and lack of parking as chief concerns.

The site is located within 400 metres from the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre, future rapid transit route and planned stop location.