Extra Time for CUB submissions

Following requests at the City's recent public meeting, I wrote to the Minister seeking an extension beyond 27 November because of the size and complexity of the Plan. The Concept Plan and accompany documents, lodged by the site owners, Fosters, amount to several thousand pages.

In his reply, the Minister said that submissions could be lodged within seven days of the closing date. He did not give any guarantee that submissions received after 3 December would be considered.

Submissions may also be lodged by email. Previously they had to be lodged by letter.

On Monday Council unanimously endorsed my Lord Mayoral Minute to make a submission that opposes:

• excessive height, which will result in excessive overshadowing and impact adversely on public open space and future apartments within the site;
• increased floor space ratio above 4:1. The City's extensive analysis proposed an FSR range of 3.5 to 4:1, with the upper end dependent on design excellence and community benefits;
• demolition of heritage buildings, including the ‘Sunburst' building, to create a new road, as this would reduce the overall heritage significance of the Irving Street group of buildings. The City's analysis found that the ‘Sunburst' building could be retained while providing necessary traffic circulation through the site; and
• a public car park accessed by narrow laneways, particularly adjacent to one of Sydney's busiest public transport hubs at Central Station.

Council will also require control over the quality of design and finishes of parks and roads if it is to accept their dedication to the City.

Information

• Lord Mayoral Minute: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/documents/meetings/2006/Council/201106/061120_COUNCIL_ITEM03.pdf
• Concept plan and related documents: www.cubproject.com.au
• Submissions on the Concept Plan should be sent to the Director Strategic Assessments, Department of Planning, GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001 or email: information@planning.nsw.gov.au  or Anthony.pedroza@planning.nsw.gov.au

From CLOVER'S eNEWS - Friday 24 November 2006 - No. 324