Community backlash as West Bondi Junction towers gain important approvals
Campaigners have been left reeling after a shock spot rezoning opened the door for the development of two 11-storey towers at Bondi Junction
Wentworth Courier
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The State Government has paved the way for two controversial 11-storey towers at Bondi Junction following a shock spot rezoning.
The proposed towers at 194-214 Oxford St have been fought over for several years.
However, local zoning was thought to have made it impossible for the developer Westgate BJ Pty Ltd to proceed.
But earlier this week it was announced the NSW Government had approved the spot rezoning of land on the western end of Oxford St, allowing for two 36m tall buildings.
The concept design for the site is for two 11-storey towers with a combined 94 apartments a piece, which residents fear would cast shadows over Centennial Park.
The rezoning opens the door for the developer to submit a development application — which will now adhere with the zoning.
Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos described the plan as a “total overdevelopment” and said the council strongly opposed it.
She said she will look to council to review the decision made by the NSW Planning Department.
“It is not a good way of planning out suburbs,” she said of the spot rezoning.
“It’s totally an overdevelopment. It allows for 12 to 14 storeys where you can fit about four storeys now,” Cr Masselos said.
“With those towers comes increased congestion, more cars in the area, parking issues, a strain on significant infrastructure. Local schools are already saying they are full.
“It’s a very ad hoc approach to planning. It’s not strategic.”
The Save West Bondi Junction group has been fighting for the proposal for several years.
In a Facebook post the group said there was a fault in the planning system.
“We’ve fought this for seven years and it sounds like a cliche but the system really is set up to allow developers to do what they like,” it stated.
However, the group said the fight is not over and called for a judicial review of the process.
“Residents are continuing the fight following the devastating news,” the post read.
“We are calling on Mayor Paula Masselos to seek a judicial review of the process that resulted in this highly flawed decision.
“We do not believe authorities adequately considered the impact on Centennial Park.
“We are most concerned that other developers will now seek to follow suit and change planning controls governing other sites in the vicinity.”
On October 10, council agreed to engage the state government in a plan to “ensure that new development on land surrounding (Centennial) Park does not negatively impact on the historic precincts and nearby heritage streetscapes which form part of the Park’s historic setting”.
“You shouldn’t be able to see high rises on the horizon from Centennial Park,” Cr Masselos said.
The planning proposal justifies the need for the rezoning, stating: “The western portion of Oxford Street is declining in its ability to attract customers and is in poor physical condition requiring repair and maintenance.
“Its replacement with a more modern and attractive development along with appropriate public domain works will offer improved retail and housing opportunities to the locality.”
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