Last chance to have a say on controversial Bulli social housing plans

Northern suburbs residents concerned about a proposal for a new unit development in Southview Street, Bulli will get their chance to express their views at a meeting on Tuesday.

For months, locals have been protesting plans to build a three-storey housing development at 6-10 Southview Street.

The Secretary of NIRAG, Ross Dearden, said while the size of the project has been scaled back, many believe it is still too high and could set a precedent for future housing in the Bulli area.

The CEO of Homes NSW, Rebecca Pinkstone, has agreed to meet residents at 5.30pm on Tuesday at the Sandon Point Surf Club to hear their concerns.

Homes NSW is planning to replace three old single-block homes in Southview Street with a multi-unit development of two and three storeys.

They say, having listened to community concerns, the number of apartments has been reduced from 16 to 13 (seven one bedroom and six two bedroom) with 12 on-site parking spots. A third storey on the northern side of the building has been removed.

While Ross Dearden says the new plans are an improvement on the original, “it is still non compliant” and “does not pass the pub test”.

He says the project is outside the 800 metres distance from essential services as is required by the NSW Government’s Mid Rise Housing Policy.

“This may be our last chance to demonstrate to Homes NSW that Bulli should remain a two-storey R2 area,” Ross said. “If this proposal goes ahead, it could have far reaching impacts in Bulli and throughout the Wollongong LGA. We need to show Homes NSW how important it is to have social housing that is well integrated with existing homes.”

The public has until 5pm on Thursday, 18 December to provide feedback. It should be sent to CommunityEngagament@homesnsw.gov.au

People planning to attend Tuesday’s meeting have been asked to register with local MP Maryanne Stuart at heathcote@parliament.nsw.gov.au