Council has received another Planning Proposal that seeks approval for development way over and above what is allowed in Council’s Local Environment Plan (LEP).

The proposed development on the Pacific Highway between Oliver and Freeman Roads seeks to demolish the existing buildings and replace them with retail at street level with offices above and two residential towers (one 7 storeys – 28m and one 10 storeys = 35m) with a Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of 3.05:1.

Under the adopted LEP the maximum allowable height is 18m (5/6 storeys) with a of FSR of 2:1 whereas the FSR proposed nearly 3:1 (50% more than allowable).

It should also be recalled that this site is part of the infamous ‘Locality J’, an area that was investigated by an independent assessor some years ago and recommended for 5/6 storey apartments.

The proposal is significantly above the current allowable so the proponent is proposing a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA). The VPA proposes that the proponent would provide local road widening in Freeman and Oliver Rds. Looking at the plans it appears that the proponent would need to rely on these road widenings as part of the development as the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) will not allow direct entry/egress on the Pacific Highway. So the VPA is ingenuous and misleading.

All in all, the local communities’ feelings about this proposal is that it should be refused.

The Better Planning Network has welcomed NSW Planning Minister Pru Goward’s move to re-consider the pre-gateway review process introduced in 2012 by former Planning Minister Brad Hazzard.

‘Pre-gateway reviews allow developers disenchanted with Local Councils’ refusal to rezone their land to pay for a review of this decision through the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.’ said Corinne Fisher. of BPN. ‘This has led to haphazard planning and is inherently unfair in that it provides big developers with backdoor access to approvals for developments opposed by Local Councils and communities. Pre-gateway reviews have angered communities across the state.’ said Corinne Fisher.

‘We welcome Minister’s Goward’s decision to review the pre-gateway process. However, we are apprehensive as to how such a review will take place, what will be its purpose and terms of reference, whether it will involve opportunities for consultation and who will undertake it.’

‘We also call for all applications for pre-gateway reviews to be put on hold pending the findings of the review’. ‘We stand ready to meet with the Government and assist where we can to help restore public confidence to our planning system.’

‘Forcing planning changes on communities, such as through pre-gateway reviews, further alienates the public and damages public trust in our planning system. It’s time for all parties, including industry, to sit down together and start a genuine dialogue about where we go from here.’

High density housing demand continues to grow

The State Government has recently released figures predicting that an additional 600,000 homes will be needed in the next 20 years to accommodate an additional 1.6 million people. BY 2031 the state’s population is expected to reach 9.2 million (up from the current 7.2 million). The majority of this growth will be in Sydney.

The most common form of housing that will be required is for 1 and 2 bedroom apartments accommodating single-person households.

These growth rates will create increasing pressure on the State’s planning legislation. Developers will likely increase their lobbying for simplified (read de-regulated) planning laws. More low-rise areas are likely to be affected with the growing demand for higher density dwellings.

Bus stop shelter (indicative only)

Willoughby Council has let a new contract to replace the existing bus stop shelters. All bus shelters in Willoughby will be replaced throughout 2014.

The shelter replacement will see all bus shelters in Willoughby replaced with new, improved infrastructure. During the replacement process the safety and functionality of the existing street furniture will be assessed, with improvements made where required.

A phased rollout will take place across Willoughby from May to September. A list of scheduled and completed works will be available during the process.

There has been significant growth in demand for office space in Chatswood pushing the vacancy rate down. Part of the demand has been generated from the conversion of North Sydney commercial buildings to residential. Some North Sydney firms have moved to Chatswood as a consequence.

Demand is also being fuelled by the start of construction of the North West Rail Link.

At the last Council Meeting the Council Officers forgot to turn on the recording machine that is used (if needed) in the preparation of minutes. The refreshing thing is that the General Manager prepared a public report for Council of the reasons for the oversight and the way the officers will ensure this does not happen again.

Woolworths has obtained approval for a public exhibition of its proposed Supermarket & Liquor store in Smith St, East Chatswood, The store would be near Repco, Bunnings Superstore and Pet Barn.

For West Warders, the only other Woolworths Supermarket is at Northbridge Plaza.

You can comment on the proposal,

Details of the proposal,

There will be a public meeting on the proposal on Wednesday 4 June 2014 6PM-8PM, Council Chambers

Closing date for submissions is Wednesday 2 July 2014.

Would you rather see your children in the Great Outdoors than the great indoors?

Scouts & Cubs

Encourage them to join the scouting movement, which has over 40 million members worldwide. Joining cubs or scouts is a great opportunity for children to experience adventures in the great outdoors. As well as trying lots of great activities like camping, orienteering and kayaking, learning first aid and bushcraft, cubs and scouts develop the values of self-reliance and helping others. All of this whilst having fun, making new friends and getting dirty!

Chatswood cubs and scouts are looking for boys and girls to join their pack. They are lucky enough to have their own hall, tucked away in the bush on Kooba Ave, Chatswood, where the groups meet on Wednesday (cubs) and Thursday (scouts) evenings during term time.  Children are invited to try out cubs or scouts for a few weeks for free.

To register your interest or for more information

Please contact: Andrew Wilson on 0413 623 135

Almost $1 billion will be cut from Council funding. This means less money to spend on roads and community services. Whilst these funds are mostly allocated to smaller and regional Councils, it is likely that grants for road maintenance by Willoughby Council could be reduced in real terms.