Neighbourhood Forum 1 report for 2508 district
By NF1 convenor Warwick Erwin DA Lot 2 Short Lane – laneway between Alcara Café and Bear Trader Council received a DA that proposes a 4-storey (eastern view) retail with 3-bedroom 3-level residential unit above. This lane was reserved as public...
DA Lot 2 Short Lane – laneway between Alcara Café and Bear Trader
Council received a DA that proposes a 4-storey (eastern view) retail with 3-bedroom 3-level residential unit above. This lane was reserved as public egress in the original land grant of 1890 circa. Has been used for decades as a pedestrian path between Hume Drive and Walker St. Council has previously approved access into this laneway for property on Parkes St (exit door, ventilation, grease trap pump out, etc) and property on Walker St (behind Bear Trader).
Council, at its 25 August 2012 and 8 September 2012 meetings, discussed purchasing this lot. It resolved not to purchase the lot but did resolve unanimously to “Council review any residue access issues in the Helensburgh and Lilyvale area associated with private ownership of roads that were identified as roads in the original or pre 1920 subdivisions of land.”
The report to Council did not give any information on this lot. NF1 has submitted an objection to the DA based on the following:
DA does not respond/reflect the recommendations in the Council-endorsed Helensburgh Town Centre Plan for Character and style of buildings in the Town Centre.
DA does not reflect the fact the site is within the town centre’s Heritage precinct.
DA does not fit with country-style streetscape.
Council approved construction of the building on the corner of Walker and Parkes streets now partially occupied by Alcara, Raya Thai and Natural Strands with Fire Exit door into the laneway that is proposed to develop. Therefore Council has defined this lot as a public lane. Photos and plan show Council approved fire exit / service door, grease trap pump out point and exhaust vent and stack all in laneway.
Property at 5 Walker St, now Bear Trader and others at the rear have exits and entries into the laneway proposed for development.
All lots that back onto Short Lane have rear access for deliveries and it is unacceptable for this proposed development to even propose deliveries to the retail component of this development be roadside-based deliveries.
The proposal misrepresents the size of the development as being 2 storey when the eastern elevation shows 4 storey.
LiquorLand proposed Package Liquor Licence at 19 Walker St (was the fruit shop)
A letter distributed to those within 200m of the proposal is from LiquorLand lawyers gathering community feedback to prepare a Community Impact Statement (CIS). NF1 resolved not to respond to this letter and to recommend to all residents to not respond, but wait until there is an application to the Licensing Board.
Lord Mayor Traffic Forum
The Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery met local state Member Lee Evans, TfNSW, EPA and police in response to a request from Otford residents to look into speeding, traffic and vehicle noise in the area. The forum discussed deterrents, such as penalties for noisy vehicles and a greater police presence. The forum will meet again in two months.
Helensburgh Library and Community Centre update
Council is still looking at potential sites for a new combined Library and Community Centre. Existing Library site is one option, but will require buying the house and vacant block next door. If unable to reach an agreement, Council resolved to compulsorily acquire the property. NF1 to request the milestones referred to by Council staff in correspondence. Plan has been delayed by residents’ response to the initial library and Helensburgh Town Centre Plan workshops.
Helensburgh Town Centre Plan – Phase 1, Parkes St
Phase 1 of the streetscape plan will include pedestrian ramps and crossing, new shoulder for the roundabout, planting of native plants and new stairs outside pub to replace ramp. No car park work will be done. Work has started on the roundabout at Parkes and Walker streets with some work at night to minimise traffic interruption.
Illawarra Credit Union withdrawal of cash services
Complaints from businesses and residents unable to deposit or withdraw cash at Illawarra Credit Union due to the credit union going cashless and the Post Office being under-resourced to cope with the credit union referring members to go there. Discussion resulted in NF1 recommending that members give direct feedback to the Credit Union.
Other news
Off-leash dogs around Darkes Forest have killed a number of animals including a pony.
Runaway trucks in Otford are a problem; two people have died there due to runaway trucks.
Rolled gutter on Otford Road has deteriorated and washed into Hacking River via Otford Weir.
