Annandale uproar over townhouses

The controversial proposal to build 23 townhouses at 300 Johnston St in Annandale has been approved by the NSW Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC), despite community complaints and opposition from Leichhardt Council.

Leichhardt Deputy Mayor Linda Kelly said the development’s legality is questionable since it is not zoned for residential use, but for “ports and employment” purposes only. She said inconsistencies were often present in the justifications offered by the PAC.

“When we say to the PAC the floor-space ratio what they are proposing is contrary to the floor-space ratios in that locality, they say it’s not relevant to the current zoning because it’s not zoned for [residential] use,” said Ms Kelly.

Further concerns were raised over the scale of the development, the quality and quantity of space provided, design and privacy of the residential units, access to sunlight, vehicular access and parking layout. Residents are unhappy there is a lack of provision for affordable housing for “key workers” – including nurses, police, ambulance and fire officers.

However, the PAC – authorised by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard to assess the development application – is not budging. Under section 75R of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, the body said it has the right to use its discretion to approve development plans on prohibited land.

However, the PAC is also required to take into consideration the impact of developments on neighbours.

The approved concept plan, which is publicly available on the PAC website, states that the development does not “unduly impact” Johnston St residents.

Johnston St resident Mark Robinson said locals are roundly unhappy with the decision.

“I know the people on the street immediately behind it [the development] are very upset. I understand that there is similar stuff going in the Harold Park Repairs site at 230-250 Johnston St. The State Government seems intent on pushing through development irrespective of Council or residents’ concerns,” he said.

Neither the Minister for Planning nor the PAC was available for comment.

By Eva Stefanidis