MAYOR Bob Manning has denounced a mystery letter writer whose appeal to the Queensland Heritage Council scuttled plans to build a new affordable housing complex in Parramatta Park.

A single request from an unnamed resident has resulted in the Grove St pensioner cottages being placed on the heritage register.

Access Community Housing’s plan to replace the small 1950s-built cottages with about modern homes can no longer go ahead, despite Cairns Regional Council’s offer to retain two of the huts, move them to one side and refurbish them.

“Whoever the person was who lodged that submission, well done,” Cr Manning said.

“You’ve stopped what would have been a nice job creator for some of the smaller building contractors in Cairns, the ones who are doing it tough. Well done.

“That’s 30 couples who are going to be denied modern housing, close to the hospital, close to the public transport route, close to the CBD in a secure area.”

Read the full article in the Cairns Post.