Appeal likely over controversial Figtree housing project

Angry Figtree residents are considering an appeal to the Land and Environment Court after developers were given the green light to convert a single dwelling on a corner block into four two-storey homes.

Disappointed by the recent approval, objectors say it “sets a tragic precedent for this garden suburb”.

The Illawarra Flame has covered the row between residents and the developer over controversial plans to redevelop 79 Bellevue Road for nearly 12 months.

After receiving and hearing numerous objections, principally over safety concerns, Wollongong Council’s local planning panel last month gave the project the go-ahead, clearing the way for demolition of the original dwelling.

The loudest voice among objectors was former independent Wollongong councillor Vicki Curran, who expressed her concerns over the DA process on numerous occasions.

In early February, following complaints to council that plans were being amended at the last minute, Vicki received confirmation from council saying “it is evident that the material provided (to residents) does not reflect the latest version of the application. Council is in the process of correcting this issue with the applicant,” a senior council officer wrote.

“Lots of remarkable things have happened with this DA and its process,“ Vicki wrote in response, questioning “a lack of procedural fairness.”

After she addressed Neighbourhood Forum 5 (NF5) outlining community concerns, the forum withdrew its initial support for the project, telling council it objected due to “overwhelming community objections”, non-complying building setbacks and “concerns with access and creating increased traffic on what is already a busy street”.

Shared frustration

During the panel hearing, the proponent, Sam Khoury, confirmed his plans to build four double-storey dwellings, saying he shared the neighbours’ frustration with the process, which had dragged on for almost a year.

The developer said “the community has been heard and their concerns have been respectfully addressed”.

He ruled out the presence of hazardous asbestos in the buildings to be demolished and said he was eager to get to work, saying the building heights on all four dwellings were well below the 9m maximum.

“We are operating in a housing crisis and we need this now,” he said.

It seems, however, the battle in Bellevue Road isn’t over yet.

Seeking a better way

Vicki Curran says mediation will take place on Friday this week focused on “our requests for safe remediation and demolition of the site”. This includes safe removal of friable asbestos roof dust.

Residents still believe there are better ways to develop the site than that being proposed.

“Residents are not against development of this one residential block but find the significant likely impacts of squashing four double-storey terrace homes on this one corner block not appropriate or a safe development,” Vicki said.

“Overpopulation of this one block in Figtree now sets a tragic precedent for this garden suburb.”