A letter to the editor in the print edition of the Leader (Your View, September 21 ) under the title ‘‘Illawong residents await briefing’’ contained a number of factual errors.
The letter incorrectly stated that Sutherland Shire Councillor Steve Simpson had ‘‘proposed’’ a development application in relation to Illawong Shopping Centre.
The Leader would like to make clear that Cr Simpson is in no way connected with any plans for the shopping centre.
The Leader apologises for any confusion arising from the published letter.
No development application has been voted on, discussed or considered in relation to Illawong Shopping Centre.
On August 24 the Leader reported that plans for a Illawong Shopping Village redevelopment were being “reconsidered” after Sutherland Shire Council backed out of a deal with a prospective new owner.
The council had voted unanimously on August 15 to call off negotiations to sell part of Fowler Road and to cease negotiations to surrender the lease on the community centre in the shopping centre.
This followed community anger over plans for 140 apartments, a smaller number of shops and the loss of medical facilities in a proposed $75 million development.
The request to the council to sell the section of Fowler Road was made by the present owner, not the proponent of the development.
On November 30 last year, the council approved a motion, proposed by Cr John Riad and seconded by Cr Steve Simpson authorising the sale of the land.
Councillors say the present owner had sought the land to build a multi-storey car park.