GAWLER Council will meet with an Evanston South housing estate’s developer to discuss “community expectations”, following an outcry from frustrated residents.

At a special council meeting last week, elected members endorsed a motion from councillor Nathan Shanks which called on the council to address a number of concerns by Aspire residents regarding the state of the development’s open spaces and playgrounds.

The motion called for cost estimates for more “age appropriate” play equipment in the area, as well as shades for the established playgrounds.

It also requested the council meet with Lanser to discuss “their community’s expectations” and how it can assist the developer.

During last week’s meeting, Cr Shanks praised resident Sarah Byrnes for advocating for her community and said it was time for council to step in.

“I commend the process that Sarah has undertaken,” he said. “She felt they were getting nowhere through other channels, and now she’s reached out to us.

“These are the sort of actions we as an elected body should be promoting and, when possible, rewarding.

“I really hope we can send a strong message here tonight and show we as elected members are working for our community.”

As reported in The Bunyip last week, Aspire residents believe a delayed fitness hub and grassed oval area is damaging their property prices and the local playgrounds are unsafe for young children.

Aspire developer Lanser and Gawler Council denied the playgrounds are unsafe, with Lanser also stating the fitness hub was reliant on another development application associated with the estate.

One resident, Neil Banks, said the delayed fitness hub has had a detrimental effect on his property value, as he paid $40,000 extra to live across from the proposed exercise area.

During debate on Cr Shanks’ motion, councillor Paul Koch said while he supported the Aspire residents, he was unsure how a playground could be “age appropriate” for all.

“You can’t have age appropriate equipment for toddlers, right through to 15 year olds, at a neighbourhood park,” he said.

“I think you can at a regional or district level park. I went to Clonlea (Park) and Apex Park today and they both have a spread of equipment for toddlers (and older).

“I think that’s appropriate for a park to have that spread at a major playground, not necessarily at a neighbourhood playground. Potentially you’d be saying you’d have to have that (“age appropriate” equipment) in every playground in the whole town.”