Developer reduced Bondi Junction tower by just 60cm...
A developer has reduced the size of a proposed tower by just 60cm in a bid to get it approved. Campaigners against the 19-storey structure in Grafton St, Bondi Junction, have called the changes ridiculous.
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A developer has reduced the size of a proposed tower by just 60cm in a bid to get it approved.
Campaigners against the 19-storey structure in Grafton St, Bondi Junction, have called the changes ridiculous.
At 65.1 metres the $32 million development is still 5.1 metres above the height limit for the area.
“It annoys me that the developer makes a big thing about the reduction in height,” Chris Matthews, from Bondi Residents Action Group, said. “But it is only 60cm and it is still well over the 60 metre limit. It’s ridiculous.”
Robinson Urban Planning, representing Clygen Pty Ltd, submitted plans for 59-75 Grafton St back in 2017.
The proposed tower included 77 units, three levels of shops and parking for 75 cars.
Councillors and Bondi Junction residents registered their objections and Waverley Council planning experts wrote to the developer to raise a number of issues.
The developer has since submitted amended plans in a bid to address concerns and get the plans approved.
On the issue of height the developer states that various changes have been made to the roof and that all structures over the 60cm height limit are set back from the sides of the building and thus reduce the tower’s bulk.
However, the overall height has only been reduced by 60cm.
The council also raised concerns about the lack of privacy, particularly between apartments from level five upwards and for units on the other side of Hegarty Lane.
The developer has said translucent glazing will be used to tackle privacy concerns.
The lack of communal open space was also raised by planning officers.
The Waverley Council minimum for a development of that scale is 30 per cent communal space. However, the original development application proposed just 16 per cent.
The revised development application offers even less at just 5.5 per cent.
However, the developer states that it is a case of quality over quantity with a planned roof terrace providing “spectacular views”.
“We are not anti development,” Mr Matthews said. “But the development has to be right for the area and it has to be within the height limits.
“The community feeling towards this development is very strong. I just hope that we are listened to.”
The proposal is one of a number of high-rise blocks planned for Bondi Junction.
Further down Grafton Street Sydney-based Coonara Developments has lodged a $60 million plan for a 21-storey tower.
Over in Nelson St and Oxford St there are plans for two 36-metre towers.
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