MCU13_0092_-_Resident_objection_Armistead · MCU13/0092

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            opinion the nature of Peregian Beach from a “village” atmosphere to an over developed commercial
            / entertainment area. Existing facilities are complementary to the area, and this development will
            have a detrimental impact on the local area amenity and charm. We do not need more shops.
           In terms of the applicants response regarding the use of Di Hurst Oval “Much of the area appears as
            grassed areas with no formal designation for public recreation use”. And subsequently “By
            contemporary standards the Di Hurst Oval is under-developed and under utilised” This is not a
            basis to judge the value of the oval to local residents, and no basis to change the zoning. Open
            space recreation is just that. Residents should not need to have a formal designation or developed
            to “contemporary standards” to enjoy the space available in Di Hurst Oval. The area around the
            existing shops and surf club is well developed, however there needs to be a balance of developed
            and relatively “undeveloped” open area’s for local residents enjoyment in Peregian Beach. The
            change in zoning in this application in my opinion will not only reduce the current open recreation
            space, but also reduce the amenability of the Di Hurst oval due to its proximity to the proposed
            shopping complex.
           Note the comment in same letter as to 5. “Parks and Recreation Spaces west of David Low Way and
            other major coastal roads are often relatively underutilised by residents…….” This should be
            irrelevant in terms of the application. Utilisation of public areas should be at the resident’s
            discretion for year round enjoyment. That includes areas not associated with the beach or
            commercial / shopping areas. The presence of this development may well reduce the appeal of the
            Di Hurst Oval for residents and visitors use, effectively further reducing the open space enjoyment
            of the area, in addition to the proposed change in zoning.
           Note Item 6 in same letter “Peregian Beach has a limited and aging population with restricted
            opportunity for increased population, such as future demand for additional public open space
            opportunities is limited.”
                 o This could very well apply to potential future demand for this development’s commercial
                     use if that were found to be the case.
                 o If there is “restricted opportunity for increased population” as described by the applicant,
                     how viable is the increased shopping facilities outlined in this development based on this
                     assertion?
                 o Has there been any research specifically to assess the needs of Open Recreation Space
                     zoning to local residents, as applicable to this site? There appears in my opinion, to be
                     demand for open recreation space from the community.
                 o I note that the community survey conducted indicated that the majority (63%) of those
                     surveyed in the Community Study tabled as a part of this application where opposed to the
                     development.
           Item 9 in same letter, regarding the site being “not conducive to a range of public
            recreation/community uses, especially given its relatively narrow width”. The size of the property
            does not appear to be an issue for this development, so how can this comment be relevant in terms
            of the size of the property for recreation / community uses? In my opinion, this is no reason to
            justify the change in zoning on the property.

The proposed rezoning of this property to allow the development of the facility will have a detrimental effect on
my property. It will have a significant detrimental effect not only on reducing the available open space in the
community, which is sorely needed, and part of the local Peregian Beach character, and also reducing the
quality of the remaining open space in the immediate area. It will effectively create a second commercial area,
which is not needed or wanted, and will be at the detriment to the Peregian Beach Village and therefore the
town character.