Rosebery residents demand a vote on planning changes

Rosebery residents are calling for a vote on proposed changes
to a neighbourhood project to assert their concerns and ensure
community involvement in development issues.

The City Of Sydney has proposed four storey flats and the
introduction of two to three bedroom homes for the Rosebery Estate
on Gardeners Road.

However the Rosebery Residents Action Group (RRAG) has caled
for a plebiscite on the changes made to the planning rules of the Estate
deeming them inconsistent with the Californian bungalow style homes
of Rosebery.

A spokesperson for RRAG, Graeme Grace, said: “We are calling
for a plebiscite of Rosebery Estate landowners to give council
direction on local feeling over the proposed changes.”

Mr Grace was concerned about the proposed changes affecting
Rosebery’s original garden style. However, he conceded the proposal
does have supporters.

“The only fair way to decide this is by a vote,” he said. “Any major
change to a suburb that has been protected from redevelopment for
100 years would be illegitimate without the majority agreeing to it.”

Mr Grace said RRAG recently pressured Lord Mayor Clover
Moore MP for a plebiscite. However, RRAG failed to force action
from Ms Moore.

“[Ms] Moore said the idea of a plebiscite had merit, but has since
refused to entertain it,” Mr Grace said. “No other area is faced
with century old protections being stripped away at the stroke of a
bureaucrat’s pen.”

A City of Sydney spokesperson said residents should remain patient
as council considers feedback on the proposals.

“The City Plan, which included the Rosebery Estate, received over
1000 submissions,” the spokesperson said. “The City is finalising
its assessment of these submissions and is preparing a report for the
Planning and Development Committee in 2012.”

The spokesperson said residents should refer to flyers sent late last
year which indicate the Council is committed to keeping Rosebery’s
garden-like character.

Rosebery resident Bernice Darby said the Council’s position was
confusing. She said a plebiscite on the planning changes was necessary.

“There has to be consensus,” she said. “Anything that a general
consensus comes to agreement on is fair.”

Ms Darby’s family has lived in Rosebery since 1924. She said the
California bungalow style homes must be maintained.

“People that have been here a long time know that we are single
story free standing. I’ve got documents from my grandfather that
stipulates these things,” she said. “Councils in the past have been
diligent in following along that outlook for the suburb.”

By Fabian Di Lizia