Sharks say council report "flawed and biased."
BY JIM GAINSFORD
29 Nov, 2011 01:06 PM
Sharks chairman Damian Irvine has expressed disappointment with Sutherland Shire Councils decision to submit its plan to the Department of Planning objecting to the clubs $300 million residential and retail development.
We feel the report was flawed, subjective and biased, he said.
It was also offensive and dismissed 1500 jobs because they were low-skilled.
However, we dont mind that the council submitted this plan because it can only do our cause good.
A special meeting of the councils environment and planning committee voted last night to forward its submission to the department saying it did not support the Sharks development in its present form.
Councillors heard details from the clubs architects and planners, as well as objections from Warwick Kent, speaking on behalf of concerned residents.
My group has nothing against development or against Sharks being saved, but not in the form proposed, Mr Kent said.
It will have to be trimmed and trimmed and trimmed again.
Gordon Kirkby of JBA Planning said the Sharks team was disappointed that the councils report ignored the plans significant social and economic benefits.
Of the 400 submissions to the department's website, 60 per cent have expressed support of the development and 40 per cent have expressed objections, he said.
Bob Perry of Scott Carver Architects said this was not just a property development but a new urban centre.
Cr Bruce Walton said the community has said that they think the proposal is flawed.
The size and density of the building doesnt fit in with the lifestyle of the shire, he said.
The committee also agreed a further submission should be made once the public exhibition had concluded and the council had had an opportunity to consider matters raised in public submissions.
http://www.theleader.com.au/news/lo...council-report-flawed-and-biased/2374635.aspx
