A new strip of terrace homes could rise along a historic street in Annerley, with the plans prompting concern about their potential impact on local character in the inner-south Brisbane suburb.
Under the proposal for 15 Villa Street, the house would be demolished, and six three-storey townhouses would be built in its place.
Each would have three bedrooms, private outdoor space and a garage.
Artist impressions provided with the submission to Brisbane City Council last month show they would also include a large balcony.
The property is about five kilometres from the CBD, and some terraces at the northern end could have views of the city skyline.
Several historic houses are located nearby along Villa Street, including the home of the Cilento family, well known in Brisbane for their contributions to medicine.
In 2025 the Annerley-Stephens History Group published the book Villa Street Revealed about the history of the strip.
The property is covered by a traditional building character overlay and zoned low-to-medium residential, making the development impact assessable.
Demolition was previously approved, according to the application.
“[We’re] keen to capitalise on the growing area of Annerley, providing much needed family homes in this inner-city suburb,” the developer told this masthead in a statement.
“Annerley is seen as an area close to the CBD and major activity centres such as the University of Queensland and the Princess Alexandra Hospital.”
They said construction would likely cost about $5 million, and be completed in 2027.
Councillor Nicole Johnston represents the area, and said efforts should be made to protect its heritage.
“The loss of character homes would be a hard blow to the community,” she said.
“It would be better if the character home on this block could be kept with townhouses to the rear as has happened in other parts of the street.”
There are several nearby examples of new units behind existing historic homes, and plans were lodged earlier this year for a similar layout about one kilometre away at 391 Ipswich Road.
The developer pointed to design elements, including the skillion roof, as evidence its plan was compatible with the traditional character of the area.
Brisbane City Council has previously said it plans to increase build heights in low-to-medium residential areas – which make up about 14 per cent of the city – from two stories to at least three stories.
The developer of 15 Villa Street said it was laying the groundwork for construction ahead of those changes.
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