Mediation Report for Reid St

From resident Louise:

Informal Mediation for the Reid St development was held last night with 4 residents in attendance (2 apologies) and the applicant and draftsman.

Residents were given the opportunity to voice their concerns which included issues around increases to neighbourhood noise, traffic, parking congestion and lack of infrastructure to support such developments (no footpaths, old drainage, unsealed roads etc). Safety concerns were raised about exiting the property if an emergency occurred in the front units with such a narrow driveway, however CFA authorities will assess the plans and no doubt they will comply.

Concerns about the removal of the beautiful old trees were quickly “cut down” due to this not being a council planning consideration and owner’s discretion to remove such greenery, so this was disappointing, however the applicant had made an effort to address some resident’s concerns by adjusting the plans to include 2 additional car parking spaces and an additional garden bed with a bend in the driveway to prevent cars from exiting out of the driveway at high speed.

The main discussions revolved around issues of setting a precedent for further development in the area and the threat of destruction of the neighbourhood character, however the applicant was obliging in stating that they had considered additional units, but chose to keep the existing front house for renovations to stay in line with the current street-scape. This was well received. Although further development on surrounding blocks will have to be fought one by one as they come up to defend the family oriented setting and protect the remaining trees.

I for one will be certainly very sad to see that big gum go at the risk of losing the pleasant surprise visits from the local cockies, galahs and rosellas. (It stands on the fence line where the drive way will be laid).

The suggestion to decrease the number of units by 1 or 2 was put forward to enable the developers to put in additional off street parking and provide new residents with more greenery and outdoor areas (or potentially bigger units) to ensure that the lifestyle of the area is able to be shared with the new residents and potentially increase the value of each individual unit to still provide the developer with the same amount of profit. Bigger units with bigger yards, it was thought, may attract more families to the area or residents likely to participate as members of the community.

Overall residents felt that they really didn’t stand much of a chance, but the applicant was considerate and may have some impact on the possibility of having footpaths finally installed or roads sealed. But let’s wait and see what the resulting amended plans are! We are still hopeful.

thanks Louise…