Re: ‘‘Third Time ’Lucky’: High-rise apartment block would overlook school yards’’, Leader, February 7)
Wow! Here we go again - what an absolute disgrace.
What does it take for the Department of Planning and Environment to promote the environmental amenity of residents rather than the insatiable appetite of developers (a misnomer if there ever was one).
High rise development overlooking St Patrick’s Primary and Sutherland Public schools (Merton St) highlights the politics of the times.
A six storey (20 metres) initial proposal complying with the Local Environment Plan now (forcibly) ’re-proposed’ by the DPE that would increase the height to 36metres.
We can all ask what was the point of the 5000 submissions from residents relating to the initial proposal ?
What is the point of an LEP?
Not withstanding the unwarranted exposure of children and staff to the leers of those onhigh, the already traffic bottleneck in the area adds to the demise of the Shire (remember Kirrawee, Sylvania and Gymea - the ghettos left for the future).
The departments secretary, Carolyn McNally may be of the opinion the proposal has "strategic merit" as it provides "open space" and "community facilities".
But LEPs are to promote habitable environments and to support sustainable communities not to be trashed by developers at will.
Jeff Harte, Caringbah
This development application is a state disgrace, where are the state MPs?
The Department of Planning & Environment secretary advised that she had an opinion, what about the opinion of the residents of Sutherland Shire concerned about their children attending these schools?
What about the traffic and trucks for this development? What about the dust and dirt from this development?
Of course lets also consider the parking for the residents of this development two and three bedrooms with only one parking garage on site.
Let’s hope that Morris Iemma and his panel look at all the problems, and lets hope that we all remember the inaction of State Members when the election is due.
JB, Bangor
We are residing in what was the family home. My husband grew up here. We adore "the shire".
We are both retired now and doing our best to keep healthy and reside in our own home.
I was astounded upon hearing of council’s proposal to cut back on some leisure amenities.
How can councillors justify taking away any amenities when there are so many more people and cars moving into the area.
Surely reducing amenities for sport, relaxation and fitness will increase traffic on our roads and many more parking issues. Residents across our communities are already dealing with stress and mental health issues.
I understand that government requests all councils in Sydney to provide more and more housing.
Sadly, I believe developers are now seeking building approvals through the Department of Land, Environment and Planning and the courts because of non-acceptance through our Sutherland Shire Council.
How many more cranes will we see on the local horizons before we witness an end to over development and ruination of our beautiful shire.
June Roe, Caringbah South
