A ROOF proposed for the upper terrace of a Pakenham Street development would help make the space usable throughout the year according to the proponent, but the Fremantle Society is up in arms over what it says would become a rule-busting sixth storey.

Adelcap Properties had already won approval from the state JDAP for a five-storey mix of apartments and a ground eatery in June last year, but has put in another application to Fremantle council to amend the plans, including bumping up the car stacker to take 27 cars instead of 17 and creating its own public art piece rather than fork over $70,000 to the council.

But it’s a cover over the rooftop terrace that most concerns Fremantle Society president John Dawson.

“Besides a sign on the building it appears very few people know the details of this shocking proposal which are not evident from the sign and it is difficult to appreciate the before and after.”

Mr Dawson was already unhappy about the rooftop terrace being approved, saying it effectively amounted to a sixth storey which were not allowed under planning rules governing the West End, and says the rooftop “certainly emphasises and establishes” a genuine extra floor.

“Four storeys and 10 cars are enough for this site,” he said.

Mr Dawson noted that 20 years ago a former councillor had sought to get a fifth-storey roof deck on his High Street property, but the council dug its heels in and won.

Adelcap’s planning consultants Planning Solutions believe the rooftop design is consistent with the development’s architecture.  

“Permanent roof cover ensures the roof space is maintained as a useable and functional space for occupants for a greater period of time throughout the year.”