Northern Beaches Advocate: The impact of changes to state planning laws is being revealed in a quiet Mona Vale street.
A State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has been lodged for five blocks of land at 159-167 Darley Street West, Mona Vale, proposing three towers at six storeys each, for 81 residential apartments (main image).
The scoping report, submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure by design consultancy Ethos Urban, is the first step in the process for developments exceeding $60m which can bypass Northern Beaches Council planning controls and be determined directly by the NSW Government...
Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby (image above) says she is opposed to the introduction of ‘blanket’ planning reforms due to the impact they are likely to have on the Northern Beaches.
“I have fought and will continue to fight against state-led development that usurps local planning controls, like the LEP [Local Environment Plan] and DCP [Development Control Plan], that have been co-created with the Northern Beaches Community.
“Unfortunately, the Liberal Party is now supporting developer-led, state-led planning reforms, including accelerated pathways for low- and mid-rise areas, which this development is in, that make it likely to be approved.
“I have spoken in parliament on Darley Street West and challenged the rhetoric that blanket development will solve the housing crisis when the reality is apartments in our area will come with a price tag in the millions.
“I’ve already written to Planning Minister Paul Scully asking for an extension to the 14-day consultation period on another State Significant Development, Indigo by Moran in Narrabeen, so that people in the community have enough time to give feedback and get professional advice, and I will do the same for this development.
“There is limited information and no plans available on this development yet, but I urge people to get as prepared as possible to write individual submissions on amenities that are important to them, like setbacks. The window for submissions will be short, so it will pay to be prepared,” said Ms Scruby.
Ms Scruby recently gave a speech in the NSW Parliament on the issue, and is hosting a public forum on planning changes at Mona Vale Memorial Hall, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale, on Monday, 03 November. She will be joined by Northern Beaches Council’s new Director of Planning and Place James Farrington.