Highgate Hill residents have rallied to oppose an 18 metre apartment development proposed for their suburb, lodged despite current planning restrictions limiting residential developments to eight metres.
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More than 50 nearby residents voiced their formal opposition to the proposed five storey development after Rycorp Famly Trust submitted their plans for the 600 square metre Colville Street site in October last year.
Council is still considering the proposal, after asking for more information which led to a modified plan being lodged in December.
Residents of neighbouring highrise Dornoch Terrace - built in 1974 before planning restrictions existed - object that giving the development the green light will leave them gazing from their living rooms at nothing more than a brick wall with some bathroom windows.
However, resident Jim Reeves said the loss of their current city view was not the only objection.
"No-one is entitled to a view, we understand that," he said.
"The codes are quite clear that in low to medium density areas, two to three storeys is the maximum," he said.
"I'm worried the council is even entertaining something five storeys and 18 metres high when their own plans say eight metres is the maximum.
"We are not adverse to development but it is a complete over-development of the site."
Mr Reeves and his partner Di Cameron moved into their apartment in mid-2013, largely due to its sweeping city view.
He said the agent sold them partially on the fact the vista would never be blocked, due to council planning restrictions.
Mr Reeves addressed Brisbane City Council's weekly meeting about his concerns on March 25.
Planning chair Amanda Cooper said council officers had assessed the site and the plans and raised a number of issues, including its height, bulk, car parking and setbacks.
"There are quite a number of concerns," Cr Cooper said.
"It is an ongoing application and at this point in time no decision has been made."
Mr Reeves said neighbouring residents who whose outlook would not be directly by the development had also lodged submissions, saying a precedent that could eventually transform the neighbourhood would be set if the project was given approval.
He said Highgate Hill remains zoned as low to medium residential in the new City Plan, which is awaiting final approval from the State Government.
"Council had the opportunity to change it to medium density in the new City Plan and it didn't," he said.
"Two storeys does not mean five, 8.5 metres does not mean 16, 17 or 18 metres.
"Pensioners will be putting their hard-earned into appealing it if it is approved.
"The neighbourhood feels very strongly about it."
