Residents on Annandale’s waterfront street stand to lose its views of Rozelle Bay and the Anzac Bridge if plans for an apartment block are given the green light.
The proposed __-storey residential tower at the Gosford Quarries’ site is at the juncture of Bayview Cres and Johnston St and will block the water views of around 17 dwellings.
Bayview Crescent is frequented by joggers en route to Bicentennial Park and commuters who use the Rozelle Bay tram. On New Year’s Eve, the street attracts huge crowds who gather to watch the annual fireworks display.
The proposed residential development submitted by Don Fox Planning Consultants would triple the amount of residences in the block, increasing traffic to the area.
Residents who put submissions to the ……. cited numerous detrimental impacts that the addition of 26 townhouses would have on the surrounding area, including…..
Leichhardt Greens councillor David Kogoy says the development will privatise panoramic views across Rozelle Bay and disrupt light rail transport.
“The local community does not have as great a say as it would if Leichhardt Council were the ruling authority,” he said.
“We made a very comprehensive submission stating that the DA is not acceptable to the council. The fact it is being decided by Planning Assessment Committee, is a shame. They deal with big projects like the Ikea at Tempe.”
The proposal is out of Leichhardt Council’s jurisdiction because the Gosford Quarries site is zoned for ‘ports and employments uses’ under the Sydney Regional Environmental Plan and is controlled by the state government.
Chairperson of the Annandale Precinct Committee David Springett asked Planning Minister Brad Hazard last Thursday when a decision would be announced but Mr Hazard failed to outline a timeframe. Mr Springett said there were several issues to consider.
“The main issues are that building adjacent to a light rail doesn’t make sense. Car parking and access to the site has not been resolved. One part of the application also calls for the removal and cutting of the heritage fence.”
He said the site’s historical significance should be considered since it borders the iconic Kentville Estate.
“Turning [Gosford Quarries] into home units will disrupt the city’s fabric. It shouldn’t be used for residential buildings. It was originally built there for a commercial or manufacturing capacity,” Mr Springett said.
Neighbourhood resident Ella Louise said the area’s developments will impact on the character of the suburb . “There needs to be more thought put into this. With the Harold Park construction as well, these developments will change the makeup of the community.”
