CHRIS THOMSON

A massive twin tower redevelopment of Mandurah’s Belvedere Caravan Park is set to get the nod despite well-founded fears by many current residents that it will force them out.

Among 55 parties who have lodged submissions on the luxury high rise plans, 26 caravan park residents or people concerned for the residents’ welfare have objected.

City of Mandurah town planners have recommended their political masters approve the exclusive development at the next council meeting to be held on Tuesday night.

The roll call of residents fearing displacement includes Gloria Webster, Laurel and Sid Bainbridge, Teena Ceicys, Audrey and Graham Smith, Marian Noonan, Waratah and Karlene Bell, Audrey and David Todd, Joan Francis, Ralph and Shelley Brough, Sally Fletcher, Bruno Galletti and Lesley Brown, and Allan and Verna Exell.

In November last year, oneperth.com.au first published the pictured plans of the 12-storey twin towers now likely to replace the four-hectare caravan park in the once sleepy holiday town.

Additional to the towers, four six-storey buildings, a six-storey shopping centre, three-storey clubhouse-cum-condominium block, bowls green, swimming pool and tennis courts are also planned.

Belvedere sits in a low density neighbourhood in the elbow formed by Mandurah Terrace and Anstruther Road. Several objectors claim the towers are too tall and the shopping centre too big for the area.

Drafted by Hassell Architects, the plans would see existing residents displaced from the 202-van site which has been a caravan park for more than 20 years.

The Peel Development Commission and Department of Housing have already been asked to help to find alternative accommodation for the park residents.

Because no closure date has yet been specified, the department says that residents wishing to relocate to alternative housing will need to apply via the usual application process.

The department says that once a closure date has been determined, it will be able to implement a “park closure protocol” to ensure applicable residents are prioritised for alternative housing.

For the time being, Belvedere is one of nine caravan parks remaining in Mandurah.

Four of the 55 submissions supported the plans. One submission supported the shopping centre but not the overall project.

Five public utilities – including Main Roads and the Water Corporation – neither objected to nor supported the plans.