Approved Fini Group hotel for Fearn Avenue, Margaret River heading to State tribunal over parking concerns

An upmarket hotel project in the heart of Margaret River that stirred public opinion last year is now heading to WA’s State Administrative Tribunal.

Despite a Joint Development Assessment Panel decision that green-lit the Adrian Fini-led project in October, the Times understands developers would seek changes to agreements around parking.

Parking was the main bone of contention for the project, which was initially refused by Shire of Augusta-Margaret River planners when submitting their report for JDAP’s consideration.

However, a majority of councillors overruled that decision to give the hybrid hotel their support and waive concerns around inadequate parking in the township’s CBD.

When first proposed, the three-storey, 32-room mixed-use project was touted as “Australia’s first net-positive circular hotel”.

However, drawing upon existing town centre carparks, some of which were covered by private leases, and removing six existing homes from Margaret River sparked contention.

A spokesperson for the Fini Group told the Times developers wanted reconsideration of the JDAP instruction for the owners to secure land for six bays adjoining Margaret River Community Centre.

“The proponent believes there are far better uses for the adjoining Crown land, which will benefit the community more than six extra parking bays,” the spokesperson said.

While shire planners also came under fire during the JDAP meeting for not securing a cash-in-lieu deal for parking when asked to consider the project, that was because officers didn’t believe the hotel on Fearn Avenue could adequately address the lack of suitable locations to establish parking elsewhere.

JDAP instructed the developers to forge a cash-in-lieu arrangement with the Shire which would also be subject of discussion during the hearing slated for May.

The Fini spokesperson reiterated arguments before JDAP that the town centre lodging didn’t expect most patrons to arrive by car.

“The developer is willing to accept a reasonable cash-in-lieu payment, which will provide the Shire with a better long-term outcome,” they said.

“The development is specifically aimed at smaller and bespoke touring groups who will come to explore the region for their specialist interests.

“The hotel is not focused on occupancy that is reliant on individual travellers all arriving in their own vehicles, meaning the proposed ratio of car bays to rooms is appropriate.”

Shire strategic planning manager Matt Cuthbert said the local government had no role to play in the SAT hearing but would be kept informed of the outcome.