Greens push for planning law reform after development application for Crown & Anchor site

The government has weighed in amid a push for major changes over CBD developments – as thousands rage over plans for a beloved live music institution.

Live music lovers are rallying to protect the historic Crown & Anchor Hotel.

The Greens will push for an overhaul of planning laws to protect SA’s cultural institutions, saying “social value” should be considered when development decisions are made.

The move comes after The Advertiser revealed iconic live music venue the Crown & Anchor’s 171-year history was “at great risk”, with Singapore-based purpose-built student accommodation developer Wee Hur Holdings Ltd lodging plans for multistorey student accommodation on the site.

The heritage-listed, Victorian-era building cannot be knocked down, but the proposed “partial demolition and adaptive reuse” of the site has thrown the pub’s business operations into doubt.

On Wednesday, Greens MLC Robert Simms wrote to Deputy Premier Susan Close and Planning Minister Nick Champion urging them to fast-track reforms to planning and heritage laws to “save the Crown & Anchor”.

“South Australia’s planning and heritage laws are focused on protecting the built form of a heritage place, but do not include adequate consideration of their cultural and social value,” Mr Simms said.

the value to the community isn’t given appropriate consideration by our planning laws.

“The Greens are urging the Government to work with us to close this loophole and ensure that the Crown & Anchor and other pubs like it get the protection that they deserve.”

Greens MLC Robert Simms is calling for an overhaul of planning laws in the wake of fears over the Crown & Anchor’s future. Picture: Morgan Sette

Planning Minister Nick Champion urged patrons to lodge the concerns when public consultation opens over the project. Picture: David Mariuz

Mr Champion did not respond directly to Mr Simms’ letter, but told The Advertiser he had no ability to intervene in the State Commission Assessment Panel’s decision-making process when it came to the Crown & Anchor development application.

“It’s important the SCAP remains an independent authority to assess and determine major development proposals in South Australia and not be influenced by politics,” Mr Champion said.

“As part of the assessment process, the proposed development plans and other relevant documentation will be released for public notification, with dates yet to be determined.

“The process from here will see feedback sought from the Government Architect and the local council, which in this case is the City of Adelaide.”

Mr Champion encouraged members of the public to lodge their feedback when community consultation opens for the development, allowing concerns to be formally considered by SCAP.

A ‘Save the Cranka’ Facebook group supporting the petition, launched on Friday, has already gathered almost 4000 members.

Last week, the Crown & Anchor’s proprietor Tom Skipper warned that venues like the ‘Cranker’ must be preserved so “the next generation of Australian musos can get their start”.