Community win: Developer withdraws application for controversial high-rise plan in Campsie
A PROPOSAL to build a controversial high-rise residential apartment block in Campsie at a community car park next to a school has been withdrawn by the applicants in the NSW Courts, bringing huge relief for those who had campaigned against it.
The Express
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A PROPOSAL to build a high rise residential apartment block in Campsie at a community car park next to a school has been withdrawn by the applicants in the NSW Courts, bringing huge relief for those who had campaigned against it.
It was a huge relief for the Campsie Public School whose P&C were a part of a two-year campaign to stop this development, claiming it will,”overlook the school playing ground and this won’t be healthy”.
The proposal by developers to buy the car park at 46-48 South Parade and develop it into high rise residential apartments was revealed when plans were lodged in the NSW Courts to approve this mass overdevelopment, said State Labor MPs Jihad Dib (Lakemba) and Sophie Cotsis (Canterbury).
A Canterbury Bankstown Council spokeswoman said the council had issues with the size of the development.
“Council had issues with its proposed height, car parking, access and manoeuvring, the bulk, scale and size of the development, the safety and security access to the development, apartment mix, visual privacy, lane widening, solar access and natural ventilation and the impact it would have on the streetscape,” the spokeswoman said.
“The council will retain ownership of the carpark...it will be a part of the Planned Precinct process, which is being led by the Department of Planning.”
PNC spokeswoman Beatriz Occhiuzzi said it was a long battle but worth it. The campaign had the support of local MPs and community leaders.
“My children go this school and I myself am ex-student of this school and we had the best interests at heart,” Ms Occhiuzzi said.
“This is fabulous news for us and the school community.
“The developers first wanted to build a 14 storey building (next to the school) before changing their minds but I had hope that we will not lose.
“I don’t know why but I just knew it.
“This shows the power of positive thinking because I was also diagnosed with breast cancer last year and I am feeling better now.
“We began an online petition when we heard about the development but many people were not aware of it.”
According to the DA 172/2016 lodged with Canterbury Bankstown Council, the developers wanted to build 68 residential units and two ground floor commercial spaces and basement parking. The $17.6 million plans also included a 29-space public carpark. The council had recommended to turn down the initial application.
Mr Diab and Ms Cotsis said the news was a big win for the community.
“This represents a huge win for the local community in Campsie, especially for staff and students at Campsie Public School, who were faced with the prospect of losing their access to sunlight as a result of this development,” Mr Dib said.
“Campsie Public School is a successful school that has a proven track record of excellence in educating and teaching vital skills to future generations.
“The prospect that the school would have to continue its work in permanent shade was an unacceptable outcome.”
Ms Cotsis praised the efforts of many local residents and parents who were concerned about development.
“This win is not just a win for Campsie Public School, but for the entire community in our area. I congratulate the many local residents, parents and community activists that have fought so hard for so long, for this result today” Ms Cotsis said.
“This is a win for common-sense, for community, and for the future of our area.
“It is important that this land is preserved for community use, and to serve the public needs of our area.”