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SmithStreet.org « CAG « Timeline « June 2004

2004-06-01

City of Yarra advises CAG that the statutory review period of 60 days had expired. Council failed to make a determination on the planning application within the specified time in accordance with its responsibilities as the local planning authority. CAG was not notified of Council's intention and Council did not inform either the 1500 objectors or the broader community.

2004-06-02

CAG representatives meet with Yarra Councillors, Council's planning officers and their external consultants hired to work on aspects of Banco's planning application to outline community concerns. Issues discussed include Melbourne 2030's impact on Council's consideration of the planning application; impact of the site's history and its relevance to the heritage overlay; Council's position on whether the planning applicant represents major over-development; the Applicant's 'deceptive' drawings; Council's engagement of traffic experts; impact on street amenity and environment; heritage issues and what buildings of significance should be retained; architectural merits of the Applicant's design; and request for Council to seek Applicant not to appeal to VCAT. In attendance: CAG representatives; from City of Yarra, Deborah Di Natale, Greg Barber, Jenny Farrar, Judy Morton (Councillors); and Council officers, Jon Brock (Director, City Development), Jane Homewood (Manager Urban Planning), Mary Osman (planning officer), Silvya Georges; and Council's external consultants, Rob McGauran (urban design) and Bryce Raworth (heritage).

2004-06-06

CAG representatives attend meeting convened by Booroondara Residents Group (BRAG) at Camberwell for Melbourne residents groups to discuss common concerns about development issues across Melbourne; a planned protest at Parliament House; and the proposal to prepare a joint submission to the Minister for Planning, Mary Delahunty MP, re planning concerns about Melbourne 2030. Professor Bob Birrell of Monash University addresses the meeting about his views on why Melbourne 2030 is flawed.

2004-06-10

CAG prepares Interim Submission of community objections to planning application, and tables it at a meeting at the City of Yarra with Councillors and Council officers. The Interim Submission addresses some 57 issues about the planning application concerning planning and land use; traffic management; heritage issues; environmental and pollution issues; loss of amenity; and infrastructure.

2004-06-10

CAG representatives meet with Yarra Councillors, Council's planning officers and their consultants to continue discussions re community concerns about Banco's planning application. Issues discussed include CAG's view that more work is needed on heritage, traffic and urban design; the appropriateness of a large supermarket; the lack of green and public space; the dated architecture; impact of the car park; traffic concerns; the architecture's tokenistic faux heritage design; rejection of towers; limits on any construction; rejection of overshadowing; Council's responsibility to notify Heritage Victoria; need to document heritage buildings (Macs Hotel, Coles Building etc); and Council to investigate heritage concealed behind facades. CAG tables its Interim Submission. In attendance: CAG representatives; Councillors Kay Meadows (Mayor); Council officers, Jane Homewood (Manager Urban Planning), Mary Osman (planning officer), Silvya Georges; Council external consultants, Rob McGauran (urban design), Bryce Raworth (heritage).

2004-06-14

CAG writes to City of Yarra (dated 14 June 2004) seeking clarification re inter-related issues concerning Council planning decisions, including advice on the processes and timelines for Council making a determination; identification of the personnel involved in the decision making process; clarification of the policies, decision guidelines and other criteria that will be considered in the decision making process; timing and process to which interim conservation orders may be obtained; advice on the processes and timelines for any joint discussions between the applicant, CAG, and Council.

2004-06-16

CAG participates with residents groups from across Melbourne at Parliament House rally convened by BRAG to protest about Melbourne 2030 and ask for a halt to its implementation. Minister for Planning, Mary Delahunty MP, presented with a group submission. Almost 200 people participate from 50 groups. The rally is reported in The Age.

2004-06-18

CAG representatives hold a second meeting with Richard Wynne MP, State Member for Richmond, to discuss concerns about the planning application and its process, and to confirm his support for the community.

2004-06-19

CAG representatives host Richard Wynne MP, State Member for Richmond, for a 'walk through' of Little Oxford and Smith Streets, to examine impact of Banco's proposed development on neighbourhood amenity, heritage, environment etc. Wynne restates his public position that the planning application is an 'ambit claim' and says he opposes a supermarket on the site.

2004-06-24

CAG Representatives meet with Yarra Council's planning officers and their external consultants to continue discussions re community concerns about the planning application. Issues discussed include expert views that the planning application is a test case for Melbourne 2030; Melbourne precedents for developers to restore heritage buildings; need to investigate facades of heritage buildings; retention of Coles building; formal request for Council to inspect buildings; issues to be addressed include setback, amenity, liveability of units, tower setbacks; Council stated Applicant agreed to not appeal to VCAT up to 19 July 2004. Council stated that it seeking a comprehensive plan in three weeks. CAG tabled letter from Art Deco Society detailing the heritage value of site. In attendance: CAG representatives; from City of Yarra Council officers Jane Homewood (Manager, Urban Planning), Mary Osman (planning officer), Silvya Georges); Council's external consultants, Rob McGauran (urban design). Also in attendance as an observer - Professor Miles Lewis (University of Melbourne, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning - heritage and conservation expert). No Yarra Councillors attended.

2004-06-28

Letter to CAG from Glenyys Romanes, State Member for Melbourne Province indicating her awareness of the development proposal and hoping that 'a satisfactory outcome can be achieved.'

2004-06-30

Letter to CAG from Jon Brock, Director City Development, City of Yarra in response to CAG correspondence of 14 June 2004, enclosing copies of minutes of meetings with CAG and Council planning officers (on 2/6/04, 10/6/04 and 24/6/04) and copies of correspondence sent to Fulcrum Town Planners for Banco (dated 1 June 2005) and Fulcrum's response to Council.