Everyone's a winner in Rowland St court decision
A CONTROVERSIAL development on Rowland St will now consist of 34 single-storey units, following a decision in the Planning and Environment Court.
The development at 11 Rowland St was originally 38 units - a mix of single and double storeys.
For several years the development has been the subject of multiple court battles between developer CH Property Holdings and the Southern Downs Regional Council.
Late last year councillors again refused to approve the development, resulting in a lengthy appeal from the developer.
The council this week confirmed the revised plans for the sites - with an extra access point, more open space, fewer units and no multiple story buildings - were approved on October 30.
Director of Planning and Environment Ken Harris said the judgement related to 34 units over 10 stages.
"The appeal has been settled will all matters of dispute being resolved," he said.
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In a submission to the court, designer Ian Darnell outlined the minor changes to the development.
"All units are now single storey, further reducing the scale and density," he said.
"The development now better addresses the street with a number of dwellings directly facing the street."
Mr Darnell said changes to the length of the roadway at the site would reduce the impact on Rowland St frontage and reduce vehicle speed in the development.
Residents in Rowland St, who have stood firmly opposed to the development, say the outcome is better than expected.
"The new plans are certainly a lot better than the old ones - more acceptable than what they had," one resident said.
"Anything has to be better than what they had originally.
"There's still a long way to go with it."
The decision means the development will be subject to a number of conditions.
Cr Jamie Mackenzie, who has been vocal about the development in the past, said he believed the revised plan was better than the original.
"It's certainly a lot better than what was presented to us," he said.
"It's still dense but not too bad."
The developer from CH Holdings was determined to see the project approved.
Last year he told the Daily News he expected the council's decision to reject his application to cost him $800,000 in legal and planning fees.
Revised plans
34 single-storey units
More units with Rowland St frontage
More open space
Shorter roadway on site
