Clover Moore update on CUB Concept Plan

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]