Gladys Berejiklian promises fewer high-rises for her own electorate
PREMIER Gladys Berejiklian has backed down on plans to super-size development in her own North Shore electorate in what developers have described as “very disappointing”.
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PREMIER Gladys Berejiklian has backed down on plans to super-size development in her own North Shore electorate in what developers have described as “very disappointing”.
The draft precinct plan for St Leonards and Crows Nest, obtained exclusively by The Sunday Telegraph, shows the government will largely preserve the character of Crows Nest in residential areas — despite the introduction of a new Metro rail station.
The government has also proposed to build a 27-storey tower on top of Crows Nest Metro Station, smaller than the 40 storeys or more feared by North Sydney Council.
Developers are disappointed by the move, saying they were promised 50 storeys in some areas but will instead get a maximum of 18.
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Much of the high-rise development will centre along the Pacific Highway between St Leonards and Crows Nest — an area already recommended for development by the council. The Department of Planning blueprint includes interconnected green space, new and upgraded parklands, new pedestrian and bicycle pathways and a commitment to maintain the area’s local character.
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Ms Berejiklian, who is the Member for Willoughby, said the Department of Planning has listened to community feedback on “what people who live, work and visit the area say makes St Leonards-Crows Nest unique”.
“Key elements the community values include the Willoughby Road village atmosphere, the walkability and liveability of the area and the existing green space,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Looking to the future our community will need a new school, more quality public open space and an expanded health precinct.”
North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson congratulated the council, saying they are thankful for more open space and plans that “minimise overshadowing”.
“We have already done our fair share when it comes to growth in residential and commercial accommodation,” Ms Gibson said.
The decision is in line with the Department of Planning dialling down plans for large scale development along the Sydenham to Bankstown metro line, putting a hold on planning proposals in Ryde Council, and allowing 50 councils to delay the introduction of a medium density housing in outer suburbs.
The decision comes days after the Premier called for a massive drop in immigration numbers so Sydney’s infrastructure has time to catch up.
Developer lobby Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson said: “This is a lost opportunity in terms of height and density, especially around the Crows Nest Metro Station”.
“While there are some areas with 18 storeys allowed that drops away quite quickly to four storeys,” he said.
“The heights have reduced from expectations of heights around 50 storeys.”