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approval in a pre-gateway review by the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) on February 3, with the application now set for a re-evaluation by Waverley Council planning officers. Waverley councillor Paula Masselos said that by appealing to the PAC, the developer is “challenging” Waverley Council’s interpretation of the Local Environment Plan 2012 and this could set a dangerous precedent for future developments in Bronte. “PAC should never have approved it. What it’s actually doing is giving the developer another avenue that is not appropriate,” she said. Photo: Chris Peken
BY DANIEL PAPERNY A planned redevelopment of Bronte RSL is “excessive” and “inappropriate” because of its impact on child safety and traffic movement within Bronte, says Coogee MP Bruce Notley-Smith. Located at 113 Macpherson Street, the RSL site is subject to a development application by Winston Langley Burlington, which would create a six-storey commercial retail space with a Harris Farm supermarket if approved. “The presence of a supermarket would mean delivery trucks would cause serious traffic issues in a currently quiet residential area and create a dangerous situation for schoolchildren from Clovelly Public School, who will have to share the road with those trucks,” Mr NotleySmith told City News. Mr Notley-Smith argued that while the RSL site is in need of redevelopment, the proposal is “far in excess” of what the community wants. Despite both Waverley Council and the JRPP unanimously turning down the proposal, Winston Langley Burlington appealed to planning minister Brad Hazzard with the DA submitted for consideration together with new zoning regulations proposed by the developer. Under the new zoning, the proposal was recommended for
“If the DA is approved, it’s going to have a domino effect [and] I don’t think that the area can cope with this.” Dr Stephen Lightfoot of community group ‘Save Bronte Village’ said the PAC’s decision contravenes Mr Hazzard’s promise to returning planning powers to communities and local councils. “[Mr Hazzard] promised to allow councils and communities to set the vision and rules for development in their local areas and what he’s done...is the exact opposite. It’s just not right.” In July 2013, Waverley Council unanimously rejected the application on the grounds its size and bulk were in excess of floor space restrictions, with the proposed site reaching a height of 20 metres – more than 7 metres above the permissible zoning regulations. “I think it’s clear to everybody that this proposal is beyond reason for that site and for the unique Bronte Village,” Mr Notley-Smith said. “I have been fighting to ensure that this [application] doesn’t get up and it’s not over yet. I have argued my case and the case of the residents until I’m blue in the face with the [NSW] Minister [of Planning] and I will continue to do it.” Mr Notley-Smith will lead a delegation of Bronte residents and Waverley Council representatives to meet with Department of Planning director-general Sam Haddad to discuss the future of the Bronte RSL site on April 10.
Pedestrian safety project unveiled BY BRENDAN DAY Waverley councillor Leon Goltsman has welcomed a $300,000 project proposed by the NSW government to improve pedestrian safety on Old South Head Road. If approved, the project will install new crossing points at Kobada, Military and Diamond Bay roads, as well as renovate existing pedestrian refuges at Lancaster Road and Princess Street. The initiative comes as a response to concerns over pedestrian safety shared by the state government and local community. “The purpose is to improve pedestrian safety and access, especially to and from bus stops in response to high traffic volumes and pedestrian crashes,” a spokesperson for Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) said. Mr Goltsman spoke positively of the project, saying the interactions he enjoyed with members of the public indicated it would be received warmly. “When I’ve had a coffee and talked to locals about the crossings, it’s clear that people think [the refuges] are inadequate,” he said. “It’s good to see that something is being done about it.” A spokesperson for RMS confirmed there would be a reduction in available parking along Old South Head Road, with 24 parking spaces
scheduled to be removed. “Changes to kerbside parking spaces and relocation of bus stops would be required to ensure safety and visibility of pedestrians,” the spokesperson said. “The existing pedestrian refuges at Princess Street and Lancaster Road will be widened and some parking will need to be removed to ensure they meet Australian standards. “There would be no changes to traffic lanes as part of the work which would likely start before June if the project is approved.” With kerbside parking already scarce, Mr Goltsman predicted the decision to further reduce the availability of parking may upset some local residents and visitors. “It’s going to be a little bit more difficult to park along there now, and there will be some people who will be disrupted by this,” he said. But Mr Goltsman remains a supporter of the project, arguing its benefits were far greater than its drawbacks. “Overall, it’s certainly a positive outcome for the pedestrians and drivers who deal with Old South Head Road,” he said. “Safety should always be our highest priority and the slight reduction in parking spaces is definitely outweighed by the increase in pedestrian protection.” Source: RMS
Bruce on Bronte: RSL proposal ‘beyond reason’
Proposed pedestrian refuges on Old South Head Road