February 2005

2005-02-01

CAG issues media release 'Banco blows deadline - plans for Smith Street in disarray'.

2005-02-02

CAG writes to local member Richard Wynne MP advising him that 'despite CAG's involvement in the "confidential" discussions with Banco which you encouraged and our support for the extension of time that was requested, the developer has failed to lodge amended plans. While this is extremely disappointing our group remains focused and continues to seek ways to work through our councillors with council staff on developments in our city which do not diminish our amenity and can be sustained with adequate infrastructure. Given that you are on the public record that you opposed the application and kept Minister Delahunty up to date on the proposal, we seek your assurance that you have advised Minister Hulls of the inappropriateness of the application and will continue to support CAG in its endeavours to obtain quality development.'

2005-02-04

Yarra Council's Development Approvals Panel meeting resolves to refuse the granting of a planning permit to developers Banco for the site on 132 - 172 Smith Street and 63 - 71 Little Oxford Street Collingwood. The full Delegation Report is available from the City of Yarra's website (www.yarracity.vic.gov.au).

2005-02-04

Yarra Council sends written advice to the 1500 objectors to Banco's planning application advising Council's refusal to grant a planning permit. Yarra advises that the Applicant Banco can lodge an appeal with VCAT within 60 days. Council lists these reasons for refusing Banco's proposal:

• The proposal is inconsistent with the State Planning Policy Framework (in particular clause 15.11 Heritage, clause 15.12 Energy Efficiency, clause 18.02 Car Parking and Public Transport Access to Development, and clause 19.03 Design and Built form)
• The proposal is inconsistent with the Local Planning Policy Framework including the MSS, particularly Element 1 - Urban Design Framework and Element 7 - Heritage Conservation.
• The proposal is inconsistent with the Heritage Overlay and local planning policy clause 22.02 Development Guidelines for Heritage Places.
• The proposal provides insufficient car parking and does not meet the requirements of clause 52.06 car parking, resulting in unacceptable impact on the local traffic network.
• The proposed loading facilities do not meet the requirements of clause 52.07 loading and unloading of vehicles.
• The proposal offers poor local amenity for future residents and will adversely affect the amenity of adjacent properties.

2005-02-07

Yarra Council writes to the Minister for Planning Rob Hulls requesting the Minister to call in the planning application PL03/1407 (the Banco proposal for Smith and Little Oxford Streets Collingwood) 'in the event of it being brought before VCAT', and asking that should the Minister decide to call it in, 'the application be referred to the Priority Development Panel and that the Panel be required to accept and consider submissions from every objector and submitter to the permit application, as well as to Council'.

2005-02-07

CAG reps meet with Yarra Council's Planning Manager Jane Homewood and Yarra's Langridge Ward Councillors Jenny Farrar and Steve Jolly. The meeting discusses the status of the Banco application and Council's refusal of the application; Council's request to the Minister to call in the application if the developer goes to VCAT; the proposed public meeting updating the community on outcomes of the Banco development; and Council's proposal to urgently commence community consultation on the Structure Plan for the Smith Street precinct. Council proposes a two stage consultation - a first meeting with residents and stakeholders on Council's draft Structure Plan, and a second meeting with the community providing an update on outcomes of the Banco proposal and consulting on the draft Structure Plan. Yarra's Planning Manager recommends a rapid consultation process given the risk of Banco going to VCAT. Council proposes the first meeting on 16 February and the second on 9 March. CAG outlines concerns about rushing consultation, Council's ability to provide the draft Structure Plan ahead of the first meeting, and the need to keep faith with the community on consulting about the Banco proposal. CAG undertakes to advise Yarra Council of its decision.

2005-02-08

CAG responds to Yarra Council that it is 'dismayed at the undue haste to organise these meetings, given that it has taken many months for the report on the Banco application to be written and our support for an extension of time which has not eventuated in anything positive. We are aware that at any time Banco can go to VCAT, but nevertheless have a sense of either stalling with nothing happening or being rushed'. CAG advises it will support the meeting dates of 16 February 2005 for residents groups and stakeholders on the draft Structure Plan and Wednesday 16 March 2005 for the public meeting. CAG also reiterates that the purpose of the 2nd meeting is twofold: to update the community on the Banco proposal and Council's refusal of their application, and possible future courses of action by both parties; followed by a discussion on the Structure Plan. CAG conveys its appreciation for Council's commitment to post relevant information on their website, provide a link to CAG's website (www.smithstreet.org/cag), and opportunities for input into selecting the public meeting venue and designing flyers.