Development process for controversial police centre drags out

Leichhardt Council has slammed the Joint Regional Planning Panel’s (JRPP) latest decision in the controversial application for a $12 million police centre on Derbyshire Road.

The JRPP has granted the applicant, NSW Police, a further two and a half week extension to resolve issues with their development despite having already given Police a month-long extension.

“At 271 days, this is Council’s oldest outstanding DA,” said Panel member and Leichhardt Mayor Rochelle Porteous.

Mayor Porteous, who voted against both extension requests, said the process had been going on for far too long and no other applicant had been given so much such leeway.

“I think it is reasonable to say that had this been assessed by Council rather than the JRPP that it would have been determined by now,” she said.

“JRPPs were introduced to streamline the determination process by this DA clearly demonstrates that they are a flawed model.”

Superintendent Darryl Tuck said NSW Police required the extra time “to allow it to work through issues raised by the JRPP and to develop appropriate responses”.

These issues include the provision of 30 additional parking spaces within 400 metres of the proposed centre.

The JRPP said it is unlikely to approve the development application if this requirement is not met.

Deputy Mayor Michele McKenzie said: “If the applicant cannot satisfy the Panel’s request by now, it is unlikely that a couple of extra weeks will allow them to do so.”

Councillor John Stamolis said the JRPP process needed to be reviewed and changed.

Meanwhile frustrated residents have approached the Shadow Minister for Police in the hopes of gaining further support in their battle against the DA.

“After meeting with Nathan Rees we’re feeling positive there might be some shakeup on a ministerial level,” said member of Leichhardt Community Group, Teena Clerke.

“He has said to us he will raise the issue in parliament and will also write a letter to the Minister for Police and Planning.”

Mr Rees was unavailable to comment on the matter.

Ms Clerke said she wants NSW Police to reveal the 12 to 15 sites that have been identified as alternative locations for the centre.

“My feeling is the Police are just trying to extend the time and extend the time so people will get tired and give up,” Ms Clerke said. “They’re not interested in public consultation anymore because they know how we feel.”

Leichhardt Council received 243 submissions in response to the development. Of the 243 submissions, 241 opposed the proposal.