Support Lindfield is relieved that Councillors voted to reject the officers’ recommendation of three towers of 8, 10 and 14 storeys. This demonstrates that some Councillors are beginning to listen to the community’s wishes. However, Support Lindfield is concerned about the move away from the 2015 master plan and the increase in height above 7 storeys.
Support Lindfield acknowledges Council’s resolution however, does not endorse it. We will be working to ensure Council honours the spirit of:
The maximum building height in the Hub is equal to the height of the Aqualand building in Lindfield Avenue and
That 9 is the maximum number of storeys
We expect Council to deliver a design of the residential buildings that is sympathetic with the character of the suburb and the “village” nature of the community and public areas. The Hub must deliver ……..
A people place of hybrid spaces, a focus of Lindfield community life for all. A green, active and safe village square that integrates with an inspiring green space. (Excerpt from Support Lindfield’s vision for the Hub.)
We support the stipulation of the minimum size of the community facilities and open space as detailed in the resolution (see below), with the proviso that the 3,000 square metres of park is contiguous land and not divided into “pocket parks”.
There are still critical questions that remain unanswered in relation to what is now proposed by Council, including the floor space ratio (FSR) (which must be reduced from 2.5:1 to a more reasonable level), what the estimated timeframes for the project are and the extent to which the 2015 master plan will be incorporated in the new master plan being prepared. These matters are contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the project.
It was surprising to hear that, until shortly before the August OMC, some Councillors were unaware that there was a Council resolution in 2015 that approved a master plan. That master plan is a 105 page document that was the result of extensive (and well executed) community consultation, involvement from Support Lindfield and a whole host of studies.
We were also concerned to hear some Councillors express the sentiment that “14 storeys was never going to fly!” Why did Council staff spend more than 8 months spruiking 10, 12 and 14 storeys to the community?
Council needs to provide clarity on the proposed timetable and process to give the community confidence that the project will progress without further delay and more wasted money.
Support Lindfield calls for greater transparency and requests that Council now make all relevant information (including draft revised master plans, urban design reports and urban planning, economic, transport and environmental studies) publicly available.
Support Lindfield will be seeking input from the community over the next few weeks in order to assess the community’s acceptance of the Council’s decision.
Council must also take the recent changes back to the community and conduct a genuine community consultation process without further delay to the project. The quote in today’s Activate Lindfield eNewsletter “The Council resolution was made in response to the report that utilised the views of the public consultation on the library and community facilities, the height of buildings and the future of retailing in the area.” is simply not true. If this were the case, the Planning Proposal submitted to the July (and August) OMCs would not have proposed 8, 10 and 12 storeys with an FSR of 2.5:1.
The community no longer trusts Council with the changes and unrealistic delays they have inflicted on the community since 2015. There is serious doubt as to Council’s ability to progress the project without further delays and more changes.
Support Lindfield is optimistic that Council will listen to community concerns as the project moves through its subsequent stages.
Linda McDonald
President
Support Lindfield