A SEVEN-storey hotel will be built in Perth after contentious plans were approved by the City of Vincent last week.
In December, the Guardian Express reported that the City had rejected initial plans for the development, which had attracted strong community opposition due to its size and impact on nearby residents.
Lincoln Towers resident Mark Pitman had submitted a 102-signature petition against the proposal, which he said would better suit the CBD.
The plans have since been revisited under State Administrative Tribunal mediation, with some adjustments made to the design.
However, unhappy residents who attended Tuesday’s special council meeting were still concerned about the proposal.
Mayor Nick Catania said the hotel would benefit Beaufort Street businesses because its guests would boost sales and patronage on the strip.
“Hotels are needed in Perth in general. This is in walking distance and it is serviced by public transport,” Mr Catania said.
Chief executive John Giorgi said the City had been told there was a demand for a hotel in the Beaufort Street area because of its proximity to Perth oval and the CBD.
On Thursday, data from the Tourism Council WA showed Perth hotels were at record levels of occupancy, climbing to 83 per cent in the March quarter.
Chief executive Evan Hall said active planning policies were needed to ensure at least 300 hotel rooms were built each year.
“Our hotels are basically full mid-week and we are turning people away. There is some space on Friday and Saturday nights but that’s about it,” Mr Hall said.
“Hotels are a critical link in the supply chain for the recourses and tourism sectors – if there are no rooms there are no holidays, corporate travel or business meetings.”
He said 3 to 4-star economy hotels were needed for local and interstate tourists and 4 to 5-star hotels for interstate and international business travellers.
“There also needs to be a total package land release, tourism zoning, density incentives, tax relief and development loans to get the job done,” he said.