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
MP RICHARD WYNNE, YARRA MAYOR MEADOWS CONCERNED ABOUT PANEL
MP Richard Wynne, Mayor Kay Meadows concerned that residents left unrepresented by the Smith Street Priority Development Panel.
Planning Minister Rob Hulls' Priority Development Panel inquiry into the Smith Street Structure Plan and Banco's Smith Street planning application left residents unrepresented in a series of sub-meetings of experts convened to 'tweak' Banco's plans. Despite the Panel directing the three urban design experts - for Banco, Council and residents - to convene a sub-group to come up with a new set of 'tweaked' plans the residents' expert declined the invitation to participate.
Wynne told the Melbourne Times (19 October 2005, p3) that 'any fair negotiation must involve all three parties', and 'residents must be given an opportunity to agree on a representative who can present their interests in further discussions on the height, bulk and density of the proposal'.
On the same day, City of Yarra Mayor Kay Meadows signed the following letter to the Panel Chair Ms Jane Monk:
I am writing to express Yarra City Council's concern about the parameters for the workshop discussions as set out in your letter dated 11 October 2005, as compared to Council's understanding of your verbal direction given at the conclusion of the PDP hearing on 5 October 2005.
Notes taken by Council officers and legal representatives at the conclusion of the hearing outlined four issues to be addressed at the workshop discussions, namely:
" Height;
" Bulk;
" Facade treatment along Smith Street; and
" Internal amenity.
If, as cited in a local newspaper on your behalf, you believe there is no discrepancy between these directions, then I would appreciate an explanation of how the above four issues are addressed within the parameters outlined in your letter.
In addition, Council instructed its urban design expert, Mr Rob McGauren, to address these issues at a meeting yesterday with Banco's representatives, Ms Ros Hanson and Chris Manton Architects on 18 October 2005. When Mr McGauran raised these issues at the meeting, in addition to addressing the matters outlined in Ms Monk's letter, I understand Banco's representatives resisted discussion on these issues.
I would like to confirm that Council agrees with the summary at the conclusion of the PDP hearing on 5 October 2005, that the matters of height, bulk, façade treatment and internal amenity are critical issues to the Yarra community and need further work by the applicant. We hope the applicant will be instructed accordingly.
A further issue of concern is the withdrawal of Prof. Kim Dovey from the discussion between experts. As I understand you outlined at the conclusion of the hearing, the community representatives need a voice at the table and I would urge you to work with them to find an alternative person to represent them. The discussions should not proceed until this has occurred so that the immediately affected residents do not feel disenfranchised by the process.
I cannot stress to you enough how important a positive outcome on this matter is. Council has invested more than 18 months of resources, consultation and negotiation around this development to reach its current position. I reiterate Council's desire to ensure that the four issues above are adequately addressed.
Should you have any queries in regard to the above matter, then please do not hesitate to me on 92055500.
Yours Faithfully
Kay Meadows
Mayor City of Yarra
Posted by CAG
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