The City’s submission concludes that approval of the Concept
Plan by the Minister for Planning will result in over-development:
- The
excessive building heights proposed will result in excessive overshadowing
and impact on public open space and future apartments within the site. - The
plan increases the floor space ratio to 4.36:1, from the absolute 4:1
proposed by the Central Sydney Planning Committee, contingent on design
excellence and community benefits. - Heritage
buildings, including the “Sunburst” building, will be demolished
for a new road, cutting a destructive swathe though the heritage Irving
Street group of buildings. The City found that the “Sunburst”
building could be retained while providing necessary traffic circulation. - A
public car park accessed by narrow laneways is now in the scheme, despite
the adjacent busy public transport hub at Central Station.
Fosters has requested Council approve three small parcels of
land, all roadways, within the Concept Plan. Part of Balfour Street and Irving Lane will be included in the
proposed new 5,000 square metre park, and part of Balfour Street will be used to create a
new pocket park. Fosters also proposes changing access from Regent Street involving part of Kensington Street.
Without the City’s consent to include these sites, the
Minister can still approve the Concept Plan with these areas excluded. This
land would be used for public parkland and is not part of the area for
residential or commercial development.
Granting owner’s consent will not bind Council to the
Minister’s decision or prevent Council from undertaking its own works. Council
would also subsequently need to agree to close the roads, following public
consultation. A detailed planning application will also require approval.
Information:
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/MeetingsAndCommittees/2006/Committees/041206/finance.asp
(scroll down to item 6)
Source: CLOVER’S eNEWS – Friday 1 December 2006 – No. 325
[A copy of the Councils submission can be found at the link below]