Lack of consultation over new development ‘disappointing’ for playgroup users
The founder of a non-profit children’s playgroup was stunned to learn through Facebook that the space she subleases will be demolished as part of a new large-scale development.
The Express
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The founder of a non-profit children’s playgroup was stunned to learn through Facebook that the space she subleases will be demolished as part of a new large-scale development.
Canterbury resident Sharon Baldwin started Sydney Creative Play in a warehouse at 11 Close St in August 2016.
With the help of nine local mums, the organisation runs playgroups twice a week as well as arts-focused school holiday programs.
But on January 18, Ms Baldwin learnt via a friend’s Facebook post that the warehouse will be demolished to accommodate 439 units for a development called Canterbury Close.
Ms Baldwin claims neither herself, nor Cockatoo Creative, the business she subleases from, were told of demolition plans.
The 11-storey development was approved in 2014, but in November 2016 Realize Architecture lodged a modification to the development under Section 96 of the EPA Act 1979.
“Honestly, it’s just disappointing,” Ms Baldwin said.
“We don’t have a long-term lease, we run month-to-month, so while we weren’t planning to be there forever ... we had planned to keep running out of the space for the foreseeable future.”
Ms Baldwin wasn’t the only one not aware of the plans.
Residents of 20 Close St claim only one resident in their apartment block was informed about the amended building — just 150m from their doorstep.
Canterbury-Bankstown Council said the modifications were advertised in the local newspaper and via letters, but residents at 20 Close St were not informed because “they were not required to be notified under legislation.”
But Laura Hart, who has lived at 20 Close St for seven years, says it isn’t good enough.
“They might have followed the letter of the law, but they haven’t followed the spirit of the law,” she said.
Last Friday the council sent a second wave of letters to residents, including those at 20 Close St in order to inform “residents living in a wider area than what is required by the legislation”.
On January 19, residents of 20 Close St held a meeting to voice their concerns and an online petition on Change.org, is calling for the decision to be delayed.
With at least 1000 residents expected to move into Canterbury Close, excess traffic is one of the biggest concerns.
To alleviate congestion, developers want to align Close St with Charles St, creating a four-way intersection with Canterbury Rd.
A traffic study is currently underway and a council spokesman said: “Canterbury Road is classified as a State Road and RMS is the responsible authority for the administration of the road.”
“Council is working with RMS, Department of Planning and Environment, Transport for NSW, and the Greater Sydney Commission to review planning controls along Canterbury Road.”
Residents also said there were too many small units, with 120 studio apartments and 199 one-bedroom units planned.
Ms Baldwin they now need to start thinking about the future.
“I’m hoping this will be an opportunity for us,’ she said.
“Our programs have been growing in popularity and we’re filling a unique gap among young families.”
Realize Architecture were contacted for comment.
Fast facts
The $71m Canterbury Close project is at 242-258 Canterbury Rd and 1-13 Close St, Canterbury
Four buildings: 439 apartments and 496 car spaces
Public exhibition of DA extended until February 28
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