Cherrybrook Music: 200-student school rejected after operating without consent
The controversial proposal for a music school, which outraged neighbours, was previously rejectd by a Sydney council last year.
Hills Shire
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hills Shire. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Jean Nassif, councillors trade blows over 61 tower plan
- Plans for 61 towers in Sydney suburb
- What Showground redevelopment could look like
Pleas from desperate neighbours for council to put a stop to plans for a 200-student music school operating out of a home in Cherrybrook have been heard, following a decision by the Hornsby local planning panel.
A total of 13 submissions were made in objection to a proposal for music school, Cherrybrook Music, to continuing to operate out of a home at 32 Carmen Cres, Cherrybrook.
In their address to the local planning panel on Wednesday night, residents claimed the music school had been operating illegally and without consent since council rejected a development application for the school on November 1, 2018.
Neighbour, Margaret Fang, said cars line the streets surrounding the property while family members wait for students to complete their lessons.
While another neighbour, Craig Murphy, said the school had destroyed the amenity of the neighbourhood.
“We have lived at Carmen Cresent for 25 years,” he said. “Until Cherrybrook Music School began, there was minimal traffic, but that has completely changed.”
Mr Murphy said 200 students per week would generate more than 520 car movements, “with a relentless stream of cars already a reality”.
Council planning documents revealed the business is currently operating, “and a number of internal alterations have been completed without development consent”.
The proposal called for the approval of plans for a total of five music tuition rooms, designated as a drum room, a guitar room, a keyboard room, a piano room and a multi-purpose room.
Cherrybrook Music director, Brad Ferreira, pleaded with panel members to approve the proposal.
“Cherrybrook Music has very little impact on the surrounding neighbourhood,” he said.
“A traffic report came to the conclusion that there is an abundance of parking around the site, including 109 vacant curbside spaces.
“A music school is much needed in Cherrybrook and we offer a great opportunity, I have worked so hard to build a small business — this is my livelihood and how I support my family.”
The planning panel unanimously rejected the application on Wednesday night.