City to submit altered plans for Middleton

The City of Albany plans to resubmit requested modifications to the Middleton Beach development plan to Planning Minister Donna Faragher before Christmas, reducing any major delays to the project.

On Thursday, Ms Faragher released her requested changes to the Middleton Beach Activity Centre scheme amendment submitted by the City earlier this year, which included plans for a multi-use residential and commercial development on the site that includes the former Esplanade Hotel site.

Ms Faragher requested changes to address community concerns, among them reducing the development’s setback from Middleton Beach and limiting the height of any hotel development to 12 storeys.

Modifications include shifting the eastern boundary up to 8m to the west to reduce the impact of any development on the foreshore and Three Anchors Cafe, and to protect the Norfolk pines.

Other changes include a three-storey building height limit facing the foreshore and a maximum of 12 storeys facing Mt Adelaide.

Any building proposed between five and 12 storeys must undergo a visual impact assessment.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the City would make the requested changes and re-submit the amendment, which does not require further council endorsement.

“We welcome the minister’s decision regarding Middleton Beach and we are aware of the nature of the modifications that she has requested, most of which include those already recommended by the City of Albany to address concerns raised during public consultation,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the State Government and LandCorp to progress this exciting precinct plan.”

Ms Faragher said the modifications would ensure the design was sympathetic to the surrounding area and provide a vibrant centre for residents and visitors.