Marrickville Council press release on Lewisham development
Posted in Lewisham on June 1st, 2009 by Max Phillips – Be the first to comment29 May 2009
Marrickville Council concerned on proposed Lewisham development
Marrickville Council has expressed great concerns over the proposed McGill Street precinct development in Lewisham and has called on the State Government to seriously consider its potential negative impacts on the area.
Council forwarded its concerns to the Department of Planning following the lodgement of a Part 3A Application for the development, for which Council is not the determining authority.
Mayor of Marrickville Sam Iskandar said the proposal would have massive impacts on traffic, access and public amenity if the area, and the scale and density of the proposal were in stark contrast to the result expected from a properly considered plan for the area.
“We recognise there is a need for change in the Lewisham area, but analysis by Council officers indicates that any future development should be masterplanned and have a neighbourhood focus with residential, some supporting retail and employment uses, rather than creating a new town centre,” Clr Iskandar said.
“The height, density and scale of the proposal are totally inappropriate for this site and with no public open space proposed for the development, there would be increased demand on existing over-utilised open space.
“Plans to increase commuter parking around Lewisham Station and increased traffic flow generated by the development would also significantly impact on resident access and parking,” Clr Iskandar said.
“There are also significant concerns about this proposal from neighbouring Councils and communities. The area needs to be properly masterplanned rather than dominated by a single development that is too big.”
Councillor Iskandar pointed out that the Department of Planning has acknowledged in correspondence with the applicant that the excessive height and scale of the development was of concern.
“It is clear that there are significant issues with the plan and these must be addressed,” Clr Iskandar said.
ENDS
Media contact: Sam Bartlett, Communication Co-ordinator