Ben Buckler development angers locals

A contentious development in North Bondi is causing concern among local residents who believe the proposed work could have far reaching consequences for surrounding properties and an adverse impact on Bondi beach’s famous panorama.

The building at 105 Ramsgate Avenue North Bondi, one of the art deco buildings that line the Ben Buckler foreshore, is in the Bondi urban conservation area and Aboriginal rock carvings are etched into sandstone near the site.

The development’s future is uncertain as developers and objectors continue to meet in attempts to iron out a compromise. The DA calls for the demolition of the existing building, excavation of the sandstone bedrock beneath and construction of a part three-storey, part six-storey residential apartment block made up of three units, four car spaces and two swimming pools.

Part of the reason the development has come under such scrutiny is due to its location. The building is perched precariously close to Bondi bay with limited access to the site and the plan to drill deep into the bedrock below has residents worried that other properties may be damaged during construction.

North Bondi precinct committee secretary, Eva Prochazka, is a resident of 107 Ramsgate Avenue and has been an opponent of the planned construction since becoming aware of it.

“If demolished the construction of this development will be in non compliance with many of the current controls and standards of the Waverley Development Control Plan,” said Ms Prochazka.

“The development and excavation must be stopped and our coastline conserved at all costs, not eroded and desecrated to set a precedent to future developers to further excavate and develop the foreshores of Bondi Bay, especially with present climate change concerns and predicted rising sea levels.”

Ms Prochazka said she was also concerned that the area is extremely vulnerable to high water levels caused by storms and flooding. She said storms as recent as 2007 tore fishing boats loose from their moorings, scuttling them along the promenade.

“For Waverley Council to even contemplate such a development on Ben Buckler Peninsular with future rising sea levels is unbelievable,” Ms Prochazka said.
The DA was brought before the April 27 Development Control Committee at Waverley Council Chambers where the matter was deferred to give developers and objectors a chance to alleviate any concerns.

Waverley mayor Sally Betts said that the site was a “complicated” one and she hoped all caution would be taken before and during construction. The mayor welcomed the willingness of both parties to meet saying that was a good sign, and that with the right people and enough money anything was possible.

Mayor Betts said the report should be ready for the development control meeting on May 25.