The plan, according to resident groups in Chippendale, “will
destroy the character and fabric of Chippendale’s historic village as well as
set a damning precedent for future planning controls across the state. Multiple
skyscrapers overshadowing canyon-like streets and thousands of vehicles will
dominate one of the city’s oldest villages, with a tiny park barely larger than
a few blocks of suburban land, the trade off for nearly 8,000 residents/
workers.”
The Labor party candidate for the seat of Sydney, Linda
Scott, isn’t happy. Linda told the Herald: “The Department of Planning’s
assessment of the CUB site is of considerable concern to local residents. This
is a disappointing result. I have met with the local community several times on
this issue. I am aware of the community’s reasonable concerns.
“The assessment could have been avoided had the Lord Mayor
Clover Moore dealt with the issue when it was in Council’s hands. She had an
opportunity to strike a reasonable balance between the demands of a growing
urban centre and the residents’ legitimate desire to maintain local amenity. It
is unfortunate that this opportunity was squandered.
I will continue to raise the concerns of local residents
with the Department of Planning, and will continue to take them to the highest
possible level.
“I am pleased that, in response to my approaches, the
Minister has assured me that a 5,300 square metre community park will be built,
and will be completed before any new residents move into the area. It is
encouraging to see that uncertainty on this issue has been clarified. The
Minister has responded to my concerns by ensuring that there will be ongoing
community consultation about the Development Application. I will join local
residents in pushing for the residential amenity of Chippendale to be
maintained as much as possible.”
Councillor John McInerney, the former Deputy Lord Mayor, was
quick to point out that “The Central Sydney Planning Committee was set up by
the State Government to determine developments over a certain amount.
Council and State Government representatives are both on the
Committee and it’s chaired by the Lord Mayor. The Council and the State were
working together. Then, just as the Committee was about to sign off on the
development with lower heights and density, Minister Sartor unilaterally called
it in. Finally, we get this outcome. Chippendale has been treated shabbily.”
Source: South Sydney Herald March 2007