Collingwood Action Group (CAG) highlights:

Report cover
Inner urban conservation and development - An independent panel report on a proposal for Smith Street, Collingwood, under Melbourne 2030. Edited by Miles Lewis, August 2004. Info + Order your copy

Collingwood Action Group probes Yarra Council candidates on planning issues

26 Nov 2004

Collingwood Action Group asked all candidates for the forthcoming Yarra Council elections six questions about planning, on behalf of the 1500 objectors to the high-rise tower development proposed for Smith Street Collingwood. CAG undertook to post responses on the web. Candidates were asked for individual responses not party political views.

Three candidates will be elected for each of Yarra's three wards - Langridge, Melba and Nicholls. Make your vote count on Saturday 27 November 2004.

LANGRIDGE WARD

Cr Jenny Farrar, Green

1. If elected, what will you do to ensure an outcome on the proposed Smith Street development that reflects concerns outlined in the independent panel report 'Inner urban conservation and redevelopment' (edited by Miles Lewis), the Collingwood Action Group's 'Interim Submission', and the opinions of the 1500 objectors to the planning application?

CAG have raised a number of very important issues and I will commit to reviewing this report and identifying critical planning issues that can be addressed for any future planning development on this site. I will also commit as I have done in the past to attend and discuss issues with the Collingwood Action Group.

I understand that Council has noted the report and has had ongoing discussions with Steve Fargo in relation to the paper "Building an equitable development envelope." I am interested in discussing this further with the Collingwood Action Group.

2. Re the City of Yarra Structure Plan, what specific community consultation and participation processes would you be promoting to ensure every resident and ratepayer is given a voice?

Community participation is extremely important particularly within planning for future development within our local neighborhoods. In respect to the Local Area Plan for any area within Langridge I will build on the processes that I have instituted within Merri ward for Local Area Plans.

I will ensure the following

* COMMUNICATION - Notification to all interest groups and individuals - this would include 1) sending a letter to all residents in the area in question and the neighboring areas (to be determined in discussions with community), 2) send a letter to all rate payers (many of whom do not live in the area however have a vested interest in the development around their properties), 3) Advertise in the local newspapers and in Councils publications (print and web based), 4) establish an email group to have regular updates on progress, 5) Communication and notification to include our local traders 6) Ensure that notification is distributed in a timely fashion to ensure maximum participation.

* MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS – Organise a series of workshops and forums for discussion in relation to all planning aspects. Organise a "local steering committee" to progress and oversee the outcomes of community meetings. This group would be accountable to broad based community meetings. Develop a report from meetings and forums held with our community.

3. How do you foresee the City of Yarra accommodating the increase in population as targeted under Melbourne 2030?

Through extensive consultation with our community Council responded to the State Governments planning blueprint "2030". This emphasizes and identified key major redevelopment sites across the city. These sites include land that has previously been zoned as "Mixed Use" such as areas that were warehouses or factories and also key land use areas. These include areas such as Australian Dye Company in South East Clifton Hill, a site on Elizabeth Street in Richmond, the bus depot in Nicholson St North Fitzroy, and other sites. This information can be accessed by linking onto the Yarra City website (www.yarracity.vic.gov.au) and go to the Planning section. The reference to these sites are within the "Local Planning Policy Framework" - clause 21.05 – 2.

I believe that the forecast in population has a number of assumptions that have been challenged.

4. How do you propose to formalise ESD evaluation of planning applications

My objective is to improve the way Council assesses planning applications in relation to ESD principals. These include the following;

* Water Collection and the reuse of water on site
* Institute at least five star energy rating
* Utilisation of building materials that have good thermal qualities and are from renewable resources
* Solar boosted hot water
* Landscape plans to include indigenous and native vegetation

In relation to the Smith Street development other areas that need to be revisited include;

* mechanisms to ensure good energy efficiency of the supermarket
* reduction in car parking would be a better and more environmentally sound outcome for our community – however some residents have concerns about this therefore there would have to be further discussion on this point

Much of this will need to be assessed when the application is before Council and will need to be discussed with our Community.

5. To reflect a strong council/community collaboration, what will you do to ensure accountability and transparency in all council negotiations with developers over planning applications?

* Say "No" to confidential negotiation tactics that have divided our community

* In future engage in pre-application community consultation i.e. Start the process earlier and be inclusive with community participation including all Councillors

6. What steps would you take to ensure there is expert architectural appraisal and urban design input on proposed planning applications?

We have engaged an expert urban designer that is in house. This was a strategy to reduce additional costs in constantly engaging consultants that had very little connection to our community. I understand that it has been suggested by some residents that an independent expert panel should be introduced. This would need thorough discussion as I have experienced some "independent expert panels" are not in touch with local concerns and issues such as the outcome of our Heritage Overlay C43 that was dismissed by an "independent expert panel". The process needs to input by our community and we need to work towards C66 was councils built form review that provides design guidelines on Yarra River corridor and all none heritage areas. This went through a full amendment process, submissions were called for from the community. This amendment went on public exhibition for a period of two months. I believe Council should continue to organize public meetings to ensure our community has opportunity to have a say in any future planning guidelines. Community workshops were held, two in Richmond and two in Collingwood.

In terms of heritage I would seek guidance from heritage experts and community groups such as "The 3068 Group" who specialise in Heritage matters from a Community and professional perspective.

Stephen Jolly, Socialist Party

1. If elected, what will you do to ensure an outcome on the proposed Smith Street development that reflects concerns outlined in the independent panel report 'Inner urban conservation and redevelopment' (edited by Miles Lewis), the Collingwood Action Group's 'Interim Submission', and the opinions of the 1500 objectors to the planning application?

End all secrecy surrounding the dealings between Banco, Yarra City Council and the State Government. Move for Council to reject the Banco development. Get Council to officially seek support from CFMEU for workbans on project, if Banco attempt to go ahead. Council to sponsor and organise a mass meeting of local residents to canvass views on the development plan and take motions as to what to do next. Council to consider a local referendum in the area on the plan.

2. Re the City of Yarra Structure Plan, what specific community consultation and participation processes would you be promoting to ensure every resident and ratepayer is given a voice?

See above.

3. How do you foresee the City of Yarra accommodating the increase in population as targeted under Melbourne 2030?

Impossible, especially in the context of cuts to social services in the area. Council must oppose 2030 and work with suburban Councils and other interested bodies to campaign for better public transport and social services in the 'new' outer suburbs. Squeezing an extra million people into Melbourne will lead to greater air pollution, deminishing of heritage standards, greater strain on local services etc.

4. How do you propose to formalise ESD evaluation of planning applications

In all new planning applications, Council must demand ESD of a standard acceptable to community. There must be a review of current ESD standards with a view to strengthening them.

5. To reflect a strong council/community collaboration, what will you do to ensure accountability and transparency in all council negotiations with developers over planning applications?

We will support total transparency in terms of documents and meetings surrounding this development. With residents generating1500 submissions, an all time record, Council must do nothing less.

6. What steps would you take to ensure there is expert architectural appraisal and urban design input on proposed planning applications?

Make relevant amendments to include this requirement.

Dominik Kucera, ALP preference swap

Dear all, as a founding member of CAG and the initial spokesperson for the group I believe my opposition to the scheme is well known and does not require the elaboration requested. Most of the questions require action from a united council (rather than individual comments) to achieve the types of outcomes hinted at - in the absence of which responses will serve no real purpose.

Editor's Note: Dominic Kucera was replaced as CAG's spokesperson in August, and resigned from CAG in October.

Sivy Orr, Green

1. If elected, what will you do to ensure an outcome on the proposed Smith Street development that reflects concerns outlined in the independent panel report 'Inner urban conservation and redevelopment' (edited by Miles Lewis), the Collingwood Action Group's 'Interim Submission', and the opinions of the 1500 objectors to the planning application?

* Deem the resolution contained in clause 26 of the Council's meeting on 16 November 2004, invalid as an incorrect recording of the recommendation of CAG members who addressed Council and the motion moved by Councillors.

* Campaign for stronger planning controls and mandatory height limits in neighbourhoods such as Smith Street that are under pressure from developers.

* Develop a community consultation strategy to work through the issues raised by the community. There will be no scope for participants to feel compromised into 'confidential deals' in informal discussions. Whilst the community participates in these forums I will not expect them to have expertise and skill in technical matters and ensure assistance is given to foster participation.

* An equitable development envelope (EDE) has been formulated by CAG and I believe this will set the parameter for any future built form for this site.

* Any new height limit for this street will have to take account of the sight lines from Smith Street and the dominant building height on the east side of the street. The height of the Patterson Building or conditions on the west side of the street is irrelevant to the determination of the height of the current proposal. These issues have been ignored in informal discussions. To the contrary staff placed undue emphasis on buildings on the west.

* Ensure any new development enhances rather than detracts from the heritage streetscape of Smith Street. In this Heritage Overlay any proposal by Banco must be less conspicuous and recessive and not dominant the Smith Street precinct.

2. Re the City of Yarra Structure Plan, what specific community consultation and participation processes would you be promoting to ensure every resident and ratepayer is given a voice?

* The Structure Plan for Smith Street must be developed by an informed communication between the Council and the community prior to Council developing the Plan and then taking it to the community for 'rubber stamping'. I am given to understand that a Structure Plan has been developed for Smith Street but has been placed on hold because Councillors were not pleased with the outcome. I will ensure that new Structure Plans are developed to reflect the aspirations, needs and values of the people in genuine consultation with the people.

* Democratic governance involves community participation and input into the decision making process. Every resident will be given proper notice e.g. public notice in the local newspapers, Council newsletter, letters to all residents within a specified radius of Smith Street etc. and be invited to participate in developing a Plan.

* I view consultation as a vehicle for obtaining this input and it enhances the decision making process.

* Consultation should be inclusive and attempt to engage all in the community not just a select group.

3. How do you foresee the City of Yarra accommodating the increase in population as targeted under Melbourne 2030?

Review Yarra's Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) to address the question of how the pressures for more housing will be achieved and what strategies will be used to implement these. There is a need for a Housing and Residential Development Strategy to determine how residential development will be planned and managed in Yarra over the next 26 years. All parties need certainty and consistency.

Strategies that ought to be part of this amendment include:

* Identifying where multi-unit development is appropriate;
* Small area plans for specific neighbourhoods;
* Urban design parameters for unique or special precincts;
* Identifying minimal change areas.

4. How do you propose to formalise ESD evaluation of planning applications

The concept of ecologically sustainable development brings together urban development with the protection of nature. ESD principles need to be incorporated into the Yarra Planning Scheme. I will promote green buildings by developing public and private partnerships and integrated service delivery bringing green building practices to its community. Council will be able to ensure its vision of environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency and economically sustainable design in its buildings by creating Performance Indicators.

A holistic approach is necessary. The impact of any new proposal on traffic, air quality, community amenities, greenhouse gas emissions, use of fossil fuels and the environment will need to be considered in planning application assessments.

5. To reflect a strong council/community collaboration, what will you do to ensure accountability and transparency in all council negotiations with developers over planning applications?

I will ensure planning files remain open to the public and documents in these files are available for inspection. I will fight for better community partnership with Council. The challenge will be to gain the confidence of the people. Planners are not mere technocrats and need to engage with the community and negotiate better outcomes for this city and its people.

Any negotiation with developers should be transparent. I will discourage the use of confidential legal advice or unnecessary use of 'commercial in confidence' transactions to deny the public access to documents or information.

6. What steps would you take to ensure there is expert architectural appraisal and urban design input on proposed planning applications?

Develop policy to require all applications for planning permits especially those in a Heritage Overlay be accompanied by:

Plans that are:

* Fully scaled and have dimensioned elevations and floor plans,
* A three dimensional building envelope that shows the potential new building volume and whether all the opportunities and constraints have been considered,
* A photo montage of the streetscape.
* A streetscape elevation which shows the existing streetscape and how the proposal sits within the streetscape,
* Information which shows the form of the proposal from oblique views from neighbouring streetscapes where any part of the proposal will be visible,
* A 3 dimensional plan where appropriate which shows how the proposal will sit within its immediate area,

Written report from a heritage/conservation Architect explaining:

* The design approach adopted and the reason,
* How the proposed new works/ alterations/ additions will positively preserve and enhance the ongoing significance of the heritage place and promote design excellence,
* How the alterations/ additions is respectful to the scale, massing and form of the heritage place,
* How new works will be compatible with existing heritage characteristics and be respectful of and respond to the prevailing scale, form, sitting and setbacks of the existing streetscape.

Annabel Barbara, ALP

1. If elected, what will you do to ensure an outcome on the proposed Smith Street development that reflects concerns outlined in the independent panel report 'Inner urban conservation and redevelopment' (edited by Miles Lewis), the Collingwood Action Group's 'Interim Submission', and the opinions of the 1500 objectors to the planning application?

I am committed to taking CAG's submission and objectors views on board to ensure that the proposed Smith Street development is defeated. I support residents' views that the proposed development is too large and has inappropriate purposes.

2. Re the City of Yarra Structure Plan, what specific community consultation and participation processes would you be promoting to ensure every resident and ratepayer is given a voice?

I would propose that Yarra convene a special residents meeting to inform them of what is happening withthe proposal and to further seek residents views about the proposal. I would like to discuss this further with CAG to consider the best way to involve, engage and respond to residents needs.

3. How do you foresee the City of Yarra accommodating the increase in population as targeted under Melbourne 2030?

I do support in principle the concept of medium density living as I feel that there are environment concerns with a growing urban sprawl. I feel that there are areas in the inner city that can accommodate an increase in the population. However, there are places that are not appropriate for this - in and around Smith Street. I feel that the City of Yarra must consider local area development and review sites that are approriate for this type of activity. A review of local area - through local area planning - should identify approriate sites and this must be placed in policy documents for the City that relate to planning and neighbourhood character.

4. How do you propose to formalise ESD evaluation of planning applications

I need to do more research about the existing ESD evaluation of planning applications at Yarra and find out what is good practice. I would like to discuss this further with CAG and take the advice of residents on this matter.

5. To reflect a strong council/community collaboration, what will you do to ensure accountability and transparency in all council negotiations with developers over planning applications?

I feel that the discussions and outcomes of Council's interaction with developers should be transparent. I think all meetings, outcomes of meetings and minutes of meetings should be made accessible to residents (electronically and via requests).

6. What steps would you take to ensure there is expert architectural appraisal and urban design input on proposed planning applications?

I think Yarra needs to have the appropriate expertise in house to assess planning applications. I understand this expertise or the quality of this expertise is missing at Yarra currently. I would like to discuss this matter further with CAG to hear what suggestions the Group may have about sources of advice and expertise that is understanding of the value of neighbourhood character and social andcultural issues relating to planning in residential areas.

MELBA WARD

NICHOLLS WARD

Cr Jackie Fristacky, Independent

I am happy to support ward councillors for Langridge on this matter.

Paul Mees, Campaign for a Better City

Please note: although Campaign for a Better City candidates will be sending individual responses, our position on this issue is a collective one.

1. If elected, what will you do to ensure an outcome on the proposed Smith Street development that reflects concerns outlined in the independent panel report 'Inner urban conservation and redevelopment' (edited by Miles Lewis), the Collingwood Action Group's 'Interim Submission', and the opinions of the 1500 objectors to the planning application?

* rescind the motion passed at the November council meeting in favour of a motion rejecting the application.

* run a high-profile public campaign in conjunction with CAG, but with council providing the finance and muscle, to pressure Dick Wynne and Mary Delahunty to have the application called in and rejected.

* use council's other powers (which aren't subject to appeal to VCAT) to stimy the development, particularly the powers to close streets and restrict supermarket trading hours.

* fix council's dysfunctional planning department (for more on this see our web-page: www.cbcmelbourne.org).

2. Re the City of Yarra Structure Plan, what specific community consultation and participation processes would you be promoting to ensure every resident and ratepayer is given a voice?

* we assume this question is referring to the structure plan for the Smith Street 'activity centre'.

* the first thing we would do is fix the planning department (see above): in particular, we would appoint community planners to take charge of local area plans. Their role would include getting to know the community and its concerns and providing advice on development applications. The idea would be to reduce the current tendency for staff to 'bunker' in the Richmond Town Hall and see residents as remote and annoying.

* a proper consultation process would need to be staged, starting with big-picture objectives and targets; once these have been agreed, the process would move to develop detailed design controls (of which the 'envelope' prepared by CAG for the current development provides a good example) which would be enacted as Design & Development Overlays.

3. How do you foresee the City of Yarra accommodating the increase in population as targeted under Melbourne 2030?

* we do not believe Yarra can, or should, accommodate the targets set in M2030; we would seek to have the whole plan, including these targets and the designation of activity centres, revised.

* within this framework, the way to accommodate development is by producing detailed, binding neighbourhood structure plans covering the whole municipality and sticking to them.

4. How do you propose to formalise ESD evaluation of planning applications

* we have no specific proposals in this area; ESD goals should be incorporated as part of the structure planning process set out above.

5. To reflect a strong council/community collaboration, what will you do to ensure accountability and transparency in all council negotiations with developers over planning applications?

* we will ban 'in-confidence' negotiations and secret deals.

6. What steps would you take to ensure there is expert architectural appraisal and urban design input on proposed planning applications?

* council needs to employ its own staff to provide these skills, which should then be made available to assist community groups dealing with big development applications.

Posted by Editor


Comments

From Gary Harrison on 27 Nov 2004:

Good to see who cared to respond and those who provide considered, detailed and thoughtful responses to CAG's questions. Very impressed with this listing. Thank you for keeping information flowing even at this hour.