CUB Site Decision handed down

While we understand the decision reinforced the need to encourage sustainable development, under the law, the Minister for Planning Frank Sartor, was not compelled to, nor was it in the Court’s jurisdiction to force the Minister to do so.

The case Matthew Drake-Brockman v the Minister for Planning and others (Foster’s sold the CUB site to the new owner Frasers in June this year) centred on arguments about sustainability. 

This follows the Ministers approval of the Concept Plan (a Masterplan) for the site, earlier this year.  This is seen by locals and experts alike as a poor planning outcome that adversely impacts our environment.  

If you would like to see a summary of the arguments and the decision, this can be found at www.chrisharris.org.au .

We understand that in the 2 days of debate for the case, barristers for both sides argued about the importance of ensuring environmentally sustainable measures were incorporated into the approval process for the site. 

In the interim, since the case was heard in late July, a meeting with Frasers was held. 

Attended by local residents Chris Harris (who is the Deputy Mayor at Council) and Lindsay Charles, we are hopeful this meeting will lead to the plans being reviewed  for the purpose of  providing a world class sustainable development that enhances our local environment and integrates well with Chippendale.  

Current concerns include the overall density (resulting in such an enormous amount of development) and lack of sustainable outcomes for one of the City's largest development sites.

This adversely impacts not only our local environment but Sydney as a whole - and includes the number of vehicles accessing the site, sunlight access which will reduce current planning standards and the lack of sustainable planning solutions.

Other issues include the loss of heritage (one of the Sunburst buildings) and the lack of green space.

On 19^th August FoCUS issued to following additional comments:

Apparently neither the Government nor the legal system feel that climate change is a significant risk factor for us or for future generations.

We will be holding another meeting in a few weeks, to inform everyone of the outcome from the fundraising efforts and court case.

We do feel that there is still value in keeping the pressure on the developers.  Although Frasers is not legally bound to deliver a "green” development, they have made some of the right noises.

Further on that, a recent meeting was held with Frasers, where they committed to undertake real community consultation, and expressed a long held commitment to sustainable development. They refused however to consider revising the level of car parking, saying that the units would not sell.  This view is based upon outdated, anecdotal information, but there appears to be nothing newer to offer.

I urge everyone to get involved in the consultation process when it starts

I would like to thank everyone for their support and help.  I believe that we "fought the good fight".

Regards

Lindsay

If you would like more information about this campaign or become actively involved - please contact Lindsay at focus@pacific.net.au.