THE newly formed Kyle Bay Residents Association is preparing to fight Kogarah Council over a planned redevelopment of the Kyle Williams Estate.
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Association members said the council was planning an "effective rezoning" of the Waratah Street estate to allow for a commercial-style development that was too big for the site.
They said it would subsequently destroy the bushland and amenity of the area and accused the council of being less than up-front about its handling of the application.
They urge Kyle Bay residents to fight for their neighbourhood — or at least take an interest in what is happening — by attending a public meeting at 3pm this Sunday at Merriman Reserve.
The Greek church-affiliated Estia Foundation is behind the development application for a respite care centre comprising five new buildings on the grounds of the estate.
It would include accommodation for nine respite residents, five permanent residents and staff. The existing building would be used as a group home under the plan.
Association members said the estate, on 24,000 square metres of land on the eastern bank of Kyle Bay, was the last remaining parcel of pristine bushland in St George. It was home to the council heritage listed Legacy House.
"The property forms an integral part of the Kyle Bay landscape for residents as well as visitors using the waterways, beach, bowling club, restaurant, sports field and park," association member Ed Bolla said.
"The landmark heritage house was held in trust following the death of Caroline Milne Williams, who passed away in 1939, and operated as a respite home for convalescing children for over 60 years as per her will."
Association members said they fully supported the continued historic use of the property as a convalescent home for children.
But they fear the expansion and a 24-hour-a-day operation would have an adverse affect on the bay and perhaps lead to further development in the future — such as a seniors’ village — like those already owned by the Greek Orthodox Church.
They said the Estia Foundation was in the process of acquiring the freehold from the trust along with its remaining legacy of more that $1million and that it was negotiating with the council to effectively rezone the site from RE1 recreational status, which prohibits the type of development now being considered.
‘‘If development consent is granted by the council and the Attorney-General of NSW ratifies the transfer of the estate, the foundation will be at liberty to further develop the site,’’ Mr Bolla said. ‘‘It is apparent from public sources that Estia has already held discussions with Kogarah Council regarding rezoning of the heritage-listed estate in the council’s local DCP (development control plan).
‘‘In contrast to other significant developments in Kyle Bay, Kogarah Council has progressed this application with minimal notification and consultation with the community.
‘‘This has led some to believe that rezoning and development of the Kyle Williams Estate is already a done deal, with the council simply ‘rubber stamping’ what has already been negotiated and agreed behind closed doors.’’
More than 200 objections have been submitted to the council.
COUNCIL RESPONSE
A Kogarah Council spokeswoman said the development application submitted by the Estia Foundation for the Kyle Williams Estate in Waratah Street, Kyle Bay, was being assessed by council officers.
‘‘Community concerns regarding development of this site are taken into consideration as part of the assessment process and will be addressed in the assessment report,’’ she said.
‘‘The development application will be presented to the council for a decision once the assessment is completed.’’
What do you think about the proposed redevelopment of the site?
