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SmithStreet.org « CAG « Media Releases « INFORMATION RELEASE - COLLINGWOOD ACTION GROUP SAYS 'CALL TIME ON BANCO'

Collingwood Action Group's latest media statement calls on Planning Minister Hulls to call in and reject Banco's plans for Smith Street, and ensure Banco comes up with a more appropriate plan for the Smith Street site, with better height controls, more consideration of heritage and the environment, and generates less car movements.

INFORMATION RELEASE
Sunday 31 July 2005

Collingwood Action Group says 'Call Time on Banco'

The Collingwood Action Group calls on the Minister for Planning, Rob Hulls, to call in the proposed Smith Street Banco development.

This is also the unanimous view of Yarra Council and residents groups 3068, South Fitzroy Residents, and Save our Suburbs.

The Banco development - which would see three high-rise apartment towers, a shopping mall, and massive underground car park in the heart of Collingwood and Fitzroy - is currently listed for a VCAT hearing on Monday 19th September 2005.

CAG wants the Minister to reject the development, and ensure Banco comes up with a more appropriate plan for the Smith Street site, with better height controls, more consideration of heritage and the environment, and generates less car movements.

CAG spokesperson, Mr Earl Sakareassen, said today 'Yarra Council has now adopted an Interim Structure Plan for Smith Street. The Planning Minister should appoint a Panel to consider the interim controls and the Banco development together.'

Yarra Council's Interim Structure Plan was developed from public consultations and reflects the community's vision for the Smith Street precinct. It sets maximum heights and built form controls. The interim plan is with the Planning Minister for approval.

'The Collingwood Action Group has written to the Minister asking him to call in Banco's plans and consider the Interim Structure Plan and the Banco development proposal together', said Mr Sakareassen.

'Development on Smith Street should be on an appropriate scale, and with consideration of the area's heritage, culture and neighbourhood character. Fifteen hundred people objected to Banco's development proposal because of its inappropriate scale and the negative impact it would have on the streetscape, heritage, cultural diversity and amenity. The Minister must act immediately.'

FOR MEDIA COMMENT
Collingwood Action Group, Earl Sakareassen 0425 748 888
South Fitzroy Residents, Sivy Orr 0411 047 399
Yarra Council, Cllr Steve Jolly 0437 856 713
Save our Suburbs, Ian Quick 9421 2373
State Member for Richmond, Richard Wynne, 9429 1813
BACKGROUND
CAG letter to Planning Minister requesting call in (28 July 2005) follows …