Erko locals outraged over DPC changes

Erskineville locals are furious over State Government-ordered changes to the City of Sydney’s draft planning controls for two developer-owned sites in the Ashmore precinct.

The changes were ordered by the former Minister for Planning Tony Kelly, following representations from the landowner, Goodman, to increase the floor space ratio (FSR) and maximum building heights from the limits outlined in the Council’s draft City Plan.

Under these changes, the FSR will increase from 1.75:1 to 2.75:1, while the maximum building heights will rise from 35m to 60m – potentially doubling the number of stories allowed from 9 to 19.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore, said in a speech to the community on March 29, that given the time and resources the City had put in to planning the redevelopment through studies and community consultation, it was contemptible that the State Government would succumb to the demands of a developer.

“This is not the outcome we worked hard to achieve or want, and it seems to us yet another example of the [late] government’s abuse of its planning powers,” said Ms Moore.

“I strongly urge you to make a submission on the draft planning controls, whether you do, or do not, support what is being proposed.”

With two sites singled out for the amended planning controls at 57 Ashmore Street and 165-175 Mitchell Road, the changes may potentially affect up to 15 hectares of land bounded by Erskineville Oval, the railway line, Sydney Park, and Mitchell Road.

The local community was represented by the Friends of Erskineville at the public meeting on March 29, at which they raised a long list of concerns.

Friends of Erskineville President, Brett Mason, said that the community was anxious about the scale of the developments which the new planning controls would permit and the consequent strain they would place on the area’s amenity and infrastructure.

“We understand sites like that are always going to attract big development,” he said.

“We are not against development, but it is about keeping it in perspective, being aware of what is already there and being sure it is appropriate to the surroundings.”

Mr Mason pointed to overshadowing, traffic and parking, loss of scale, and loss of sight lines and city views as the major issues of concern.

“It sets a really dangerous precedent for other sites in the precinct and the area,” he said.

“Mitchell Road is already under extreme stress from traffic especially in terms of parking.”

The meeting also featured presentations from the Council and Goodman, which outlined the rationale for their submission to the Department of Planning to increase the controls.

Executive Manager, City Plan, Andrew Thomas, who briefed the community on behalf of the Council, said based on the studies conducted by the City, it is likely that these changes will significantly impact the area’s built form, creating overshadowing and traffic congestion.

Despite the passing of the cut-off date for submissions on the draft City Plan controls, the Council has stated it will consider submissions on the Ashmore precinct up to Thursday April 21.