Mystery five-month delay over election period in Ritz Carlton planning process
THERE was a mystery five-month delay from the final submission for the Ritz Carlton tower until a new independent expert was commissioned to file his report.
NSW
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EXCLUSIVE
THERE was a mystery five-month delay from the final submission for the Ritz Carlton tower until a new independent expert was commissioned to file his report.
The revelation of delays in the planning process for the luxury hotel comes as planning minister Rob Stokes on Wednesday finally gave the green light to a major high-rise project — two new towers above the future Martin Place Metro Station.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new towers will create 2500 construction jobs. “Sydney is Australia’s only truly global city and developments like this continue to elevate our status,” she said.
Ms Berejiklian flew back from London on Sunday and ordered Mr Stokes to request the Greater Sydney Commission immediately review the planning restrictions at Pyrmont that halted the luxury Ritz Carlton tower.
The NSW Planning Department has denied there was a late change of direction in the four-year planning process for the 230 metre tower.
But The Daily Telegraph has confirmed there were five months from The Star’s final submission in January to architect Peter Webber being commissioned to give an independent report in June.
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In that time there was a state election and the planning minister changed from pro-development Anthony Roberts to low-rise champion Mr Stokes.
Broadcaster Alan Jones has also questioned whether there was a secret pre-election deal done with independent MP Alex Greenwich, who has spoken out strongly against having the new luxury hotel in his electorate.
Former NSW Government architect Chris Johnson said: “There was support from the NSW Government for this project right from the outset.
“The Government architect at the time, Peter Poulet, was on the panel selecting the design. That shows clear government support.”
But he said the selection of Professor Webber, who is anti-gambling and believes medieval towns are ideal planning models, as an independent advisor in June was no accident.
In July, a month after he was commissioned, Professor Webber recommended against the tower going ahead because it was “unduly prominent”.
“At the last minute they have put out this report. It seems to have happened after the election when there was a different planning minister in charge,” said Mr Johnson, who is chief executive of the Urban Taskforce.
“There seems to be a different attitude coming out of the department after the election.”
Tourism Accommodation Australia chief executive Michael Johnson said: “To have such an iconic hotel rejected in the first place was extremely disappointing and we welcome the strong action by the NSW Premier and await the results of the review into planning rules for the Pyrmont and Western Harbour precinct.
“To put it simply — this is a project which needs to proceed. This is a great opportunity to have a new iconic hotel in our city supporting local jobs, the economy and the hotel and tourism sector.”
On Tuesday the Independent Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Ritz Carlton tower before considering whether to accept or overrule the Planning Department’s decision.
The Greater Sydney Commission’s review of the Pyrmont planning controls affecting the tower is due by the end of September.
A spokesman for the NSW Planning Department confirmed that Professor Webber was commissioned to do his report in June this year.
Asked why the proposal suddenly changed track the spokesman said: “The Department’s recommendation on The Star's proposal followed a rigorous assessment process and did not suddenly change direction.”