At last week’s MidCoast Council October strategic committee meeting on October 10, four councillors voted in favour and four voted against a recommendation to allow the construction of 52-unit, 12-storey apartment building.

The original project was for a 30 metre high building, which was within the maximum height standard for the Great Lakes.

Mayor, David West cast the deciding vote, giving the project the go ahead.

Reserve Road resident, Russ McBurnie believed council’s decision to lift the height restriction would open the flood gates, allowing future developers to construct even higher buildings.

Mr McBurnie questioned why did MidCoast Council senior town planner, Petula Bowden recommendedthe development be approved for a height of 40.4 metres.

He said in the past council had knocked back buildings which had been just 1-2 metres higher than the maximum 30 metres.

But, it was the predicted increase in traffic along the already congested Reserve Road which was Mr McBurnie’s biggest concern.

“We have trouble getting out of Reserve Road now,” Mr McBurnie said.

He said even outside holiday times the 250 metre-long street, which accessed the caravan park, Marine Rescue, Ronald McDonald Family Retreat, Holland Park, boat ramp and marina, was a busy traffic thoroughfare.

Cars and caravans often block resident parking, or park in no standing zones,  and vehicles often drive the wrong way down Oyster Parade, he said.

Elizabeth Beach resident, Ariel Johnson said she was concerned raising the heights of any structure would set an intrusive precedent for the area.

“What the people of Forster will be left with is horrendous traffic jams.”

“Raising the height  from nine to 12-storeys and from  30-40.4 metres would increase winter shading along The Lakes Way and reduce the existing village ‘feel’ let along what other buildings may be constructed following such an example,” Ms Johnson said.

“In my opinion the excessive height of the building and its orange coloured ‘terracotta’ decorative cladding don’t add anything to an edifice which is going to be seen – as the DA states – as a gateway building to Forster.”

Paradise Court Owners Corporation chairman, Eric Cairnduff said his committee was disappointed with  council’s decision.

“We were never against the development being at 30 metres –  but 40.2 metres was our concern,” Mr Cairnduff said.

“We are still concerned about how Reserve Road will be in regard to congestion and holdups,” Mr 

“Reserve Road is a very small road and traffic use it to go into the caravan park and the boat ramp and picnic areas.

“The survey done was carried out in August 2017 which is probably the worst time to do it as it the least amount of traffic.​”