PLANS for a further 200 apartments as part of an expansion of the Sharks’ development have been given the ‘‘thumbs down’’ by Liberal representatives in the Cronulla area.
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman and Sutherland Shire councillors Kevin Schreiber, Scott Williams and Carol Provan supported other elements of the plans, but were concerned about the impact of more apartments, particularly on traffic.
Developer Bluestone Property said that it would continue to consult.
‘‘We appreciate the variety of perspectives in the community and we will continue to consult with groups and individuals as part of exploring the potential enhancement of the Woolooware Bay town centre,’’ managing director Ben Fairfax said.
Under revised plans, another 200 apartments, a hotel, conference area, centre of sports excellence and community facilities would be added to the project.
Mr Speakman said in a statement: ‘‘I am not the decision maker, nor is the planning minister, but I have consulted interested parties over the past few weeks.
‘‘Subject to robust traffic, parking and environmental studies, in principle I would support the proposed hotel, conference facilities, sports centre of excellence and community facilities, but not 200 extra units.
‘‘I am happy to have ongoing discussions with interested parties,’’ he said.
Cr Schreiber said he thought the proposal for 200 more apartments was ‘‘way over the top’’ and ‘‘just greed’’.
‘‘I don’t have a problem with the hotel because we do need more tourist-style accommodation, but how would you deal with the traffic and parking from 200 more units?’’ he said.
Cr Schreiber said he was also concerned about the environmental impact on the adjoining wetlands and the effect of rising sea levels on the development.
Cr Williams said roads in the area were already heavily congested.
Before any expansion was approved, a new traffic study that looked at the key intersections for several kilometres around would need to be done, he said.
‘‘I support the hotel and conference facilities, as well as the [previously approved] retail and medical centre,’’ he said.
‘‘The original development was about saving the Sharks, but the Sharks have been well and truly saved’’.
HOTEL ‘MAY NOT WORK’
Carol Provan’s concerns extend beyond the Sharks’ project.
She said the proposed expansion and possible further development on the adjoining Toyota site made for ‘‘a pretty scary’’ scenario.
Cr Provan said while she agreed there was need for a new hotel, if it ‘‘did not work’’ the building could end up as more apartments.
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