Updated
Revised plans for a development on the northern edge of Monro Park, Cronulla have advanced.
Sutherland Shire Council decided on Monday a proposed amendment to the LEP to allow an increase in the floor space ratio should be sent to the Department of Planning and Environment for Gateway determination.
The resolution, which had bipartisan support, stated the amendment should be conditional upon the entire building being non-residential in use and noted concerns, including the need to protect the park and fig trees, potential overshadowing of the park, traffic congestion and parking, "the impact of a pub in this location" and the potential for precedent on other sites in the Cronulla CBD.
The department will publicly exhibit the plans as part of its assessment process before a decision is made by either the Sydney South Planning Panel or Sutherland Shire Local Planning Panel.
If the amendment is approved, Sammut Developments will then need to submit a development application (DA), which would also be determined by a panel.
Cr Michael Forshaw said the council decision did not mean it was supporting the development, but simply agreeing with council staff and the planning panel it had strategic merit and should proceed to Gateway determination.
Four members of the public addressed the council before the decision was made.
They included the developer Allen Sammut and architect Cameron Jones, along with residents, Leanne Farmer and Kerry Coomes who strongly opposed the proposal.
A report will be provided by council staff on the planning agreement between the council and developer and potential public domain improvements.
Sammut Developments scrapped its original proposal for the site, which included hotel accommodation in a 14-storey tower, and substituted plans for a development with a maximum height of seven storeys.
The revised proposal includes a two storey podium containing food and beverage premises with commercial office uses, including shared co-working space, above.
