Plans for a major redevelopment of the UTS Lindfield campus are progressing with Ku-ring-gai Council and Defence Housing Australia negotiating an agreement for the delivery of community infrastructure on the site.
In 2008, the New South Wales Government approved under its Part 3A State significant provisions a major project for the site including 345 dwellings.
This meant the planning minister rather than Ku-ring-gai Council was the consent authority for the project.
Mayor Ian Cross said part of the site has since been sold to Defence Housing Australia which plans to use the concept approval to build a mix of houses and units, some of which will be used for military personnel.
“Under the concept approval, Defence Housing Australia must provide public infrastructure including an adult soccer field, 300 square metres of community space and new public access roads and parking,” he said.
“To help deliver this public infrastructure, Council is considering entering into a voluntary planning agreement with Defence Housing Australia.
According to Cr Cross such agreements allow developers and councils to negotiate on the delivery of community infrastructure, mainly relating to the use of Section 94 developer contributions.”
A resolution at this week’s council meeting supports Defence Housing Australia obtaining approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure to make minor changes to planning rules allowing increased flexibility for negotiating the agreement.
Cr Cross said the council opposed the State Government's initial approval of the concept plan, it was now committed to working with Defence Housing Australia to get the best possible deal for the community.
"Council and the community have had a range of concerns about this project including bushfire risks, impacts on native flora and fauna, increased traffic, stormwater run-off and the loss of heritage buildings," he said.
"But we remain committed to working with Defence Housing Australia to ensure the required public infrastructure best meets the needs of our community."
In 2008, the New South Wales Government approved under its Part 3A State significant provisions a major project for the site including 345 dwellings.
This meant the planning minister rather than Ku-ring-gai Council was the consent authority for the project.
Mayor Ian Cross said part of the site has since been sold to Defence Housing Australia which plans to use the concept approval to build a mix of houses and units, some of which will be used for military personnel.
“Under the concept approval, Defence Housing Australia must provide public infrastructure including an adult soccer field, 300 square metres of community space and new public access roads and parking,” he said.
“To help deliver this public infrastructure, Council is considering entering into a voluntary planning agreement with Defence Housing Australia.
According to Cr Cross such agreements allow developers and councils to negotiate on the delivery of community infrastructure, mainly relating to the use of Section 94 developer contributions.”
A resolution at this week’s council meeting supports Defence Housing Australia obtaining approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure to make minor changes to planning rules allowing increased flexibility for negotiating the agreement.
Cr Cross said the council opposed the State Government's initial approval of the concept plan, it was now committed to working with Defence Housing Australia to get the best possible deal for the community.
"Council and the community have had a range of concerns about this project including bushfire risks, impacts on native flora and fauna, increased traffic, stormwater run-off and the loss of heritage buildings," he said.
"But we remain committed to working with Defence Housing Australia to ensure the required public infrastructure best meets the needs of our community."
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