PlanningAlerts

49 Comments

Create an account or sign in to have your say by adding your own comment.

1. This can not happen in this area there is the following located close by to this development
   Public Swimming Pool where children and families are there 7 days per week, many children walk to and from this pool alone without adult supervision
   Charlestown Public School with children walking to and from school alone from 4yrs to 12yrs age
   St Joseph's Primary School with children walking to and from school alone from 4yrs to 12yrs age
   Day Care Centre for children 0 to 4yrs of age
   Whitebridge High School with children walking to and from school alone 12yrs to 16yrs
   Scoccer, League and Netball facilities close by where children and families walk to and from
   Churches within the area where many people congregate with their children and families
   Staff of all ages that park within this area to work in the Square or surrounding building/offices/shops who walk to and from their car to work
   A new adolescent Mental Health Unit recently opened for adolescents with issues so this in the area and people from this development hanging around
   A new skate park just opened which is not acceptable at Charlestown Sq when the youth hang around the area and streets and grafity the soccer oval
   They have closed the police station in Charlestown so there will be no immediate help
   Besides the residence that live and are purchasing within this are.. Totally unacceptable in this area
   The price of all residential properties will decrease

2. This is definitely not the appropriate location for this development, as a parent I strongly object this application.
   The car parking in the area is already at maximum capacity & this facility endangers the safety of the community in numerous ways.
   who is going to reside in this boarding house next door to the pre school, pool & primary school??

3. YOU CAN NOT BE SERIOUS. You couldn't possibly put it in a worse location. Next door to a chidcare centre, pool, 2 Primary schools. I wonder if this has anything to do with Newcastle Council CEO Jeremy Bath closing 2 Boarding houses in town accommodating Mental health patients, ex convicts etc.
   Not a viable location

4. This sort of development has no place in the middle of suburbia. Surely this must be rejected.

5. Please please please say no to this application- just like the other comments how can this kind of boarding house be considered. so close to children’s public places. Schools, day care centres, swimming pool, scouts and girl guides etc are all in a stones throw of this planning application. Please consider another appropriate area to place a boarding house.

6. This development must not be allowed to proceed in this location. This is a suburban family friendly area with multiple schools nearby, from which many children walk to school past this location. There are daycare groups, scouts, guides and a swimming pool adjacent. I cannot believe that LMCC would even consider this totally in appropriate location for this development.
   I would not consider this a safe area to live if this goes ahead, both for my children's safety and the security of my property.

7. Having a large boarding house in close proximity to primary schools, pre-schools and a local swimming pool and park is not acceptable. Perhaps family housing needs would be more relative. . I am an ex serving police officer of two states and fully aware of problems that arise from large numbered facilities. The Boarding Houses Regulation 2013 NSW legislation has a section Part 2 Physical environment, section 6 Maximum number of residents:-
   The number of residents of an authorised boarding house (whether additional needs
   residents or other residents) must not exceed 30 persons unless a condition of its
   house authorisation imposed (or taken to have been imposted) by Director General
   provides otherwise. ALREADY they are pushing the boundaries of numbers which in itself in this area is wrong. Small facilities in this area would be more suitable. Closing the police station in the area is also detrimental, with large high rise apartments, skate park development which since being open has the affect of notably more graffiti in the area. Yes we need boarding houses but perhaps not large facilities in the middle of a family area, with no police station. Rethink this location it is not considering the impact on the residential area you are placing it in.

8. My name is Mirjana Predojvic.
   I’m living in the area with my housband and two little kids..
   I can’t believe that anyone can accept biarder house in this area.
   Boarder houses are for other areas not for this one..
   We bought our houses here and went into a biiggg morgages because we choose safty for our family.If i want to be unsafe i could go in Gateshead or Windale or similar... but no,I’m paying big money for sacurity and life stly for me and family..
   LMCC can’t do this to us ..
   Would you like to live in area like that?We will not be able to walk in our suburb,children will not be able to go to the swimming pool..
   I don’t want to be next to the ex prisioners..
   Thank you

9. I too, strongly disapprove of this being built in Charlestown. For the same reasons as mentioned previously, it just does not make sense to build it there.

   Many of the high school and primary school children will also walk to the pool for sport and carnivals throughout the year. The children knowing that this facility is right there will potentially frighten them and it will be in their minds about the type of offenders living there.

   With so many families, schools and sporting facilities surrounding this facility, surely it would be a given that this will NOT go ahead?

   PLEASE do not go ahead with this, it will potentially cause many more problems in the area and a feeling of being unsafe, not only walking - (not forgetting the easy access to the Great Northern Walk from there) but also in our homes - day and night :(

10. As a long term resident of this area, I am deeply concerned by this proposed large boarding house development. It is incompatible with the nature of the area and its future.
    The area has a strong established community which is broadly accepting of the greater density of housing and population that is occurring with modern unit and apartment development. Much of the demographic is a community of older, with some very senior long term, residents mixed with younger workers and families attracted by proximity of schools, sporting facilities, medical services, shops, clubs and recreational areas.
    The development application for a large boarding house must be refused as incompatible with its surrounding Charlestown community.

11. Hi I think this is totally wrong for the area near schools pools Charlestown square places that have a large number of children find a more suitable place

12. I too object to this development, inappropriate for this location, so close to child care, swimming pool, scout hall. How do expect parents to feel safe letting their children go to these places.with a building full of convicted murders, rapists, etc. so near.
    You can not be serious letting this development proceed. Shame, Shame, Shame.

13. This would be an absolute disaster bringing such a boarding house for ex criminals into a very respectable community and next to a Child Care Centre, swimming pool, shopping centre, soccer fields, schools, netball courts etc etc etc! What on earth is this person thinking of to even entertain the idea that people would approve such a complex...Really! if this is approved then all residents in the surrounding area need to withhold paying council rates because it is only too clear that council has no concern for their well being so why would the rate payers have concern for the council, this is outrageous and a really dumb idea!!!

14. I am writing to voice my concern regarding the location for the proposed Boarding House for released Prisoners. You couldn’t have chosen a worse location as 3-5 Mulbinga Street, Charlestown is REALLY close to a Pre-school, Charlestown Pool, a Guide’s Hall, a Scout’s Hall, and is within walking distance to at least three Schools and several Churches. This is an area where many children walk to and from these places to their homes. I myself have grandchildren and I fear for their safety walking to Charlestown Pool and Charlestown Square. I am also concerned about my property de-valueing. Maybe the Developer should choose an area that is less built-up than Charlestown.

15. I purchased in Charletsown due to the services and facilities available..I relocated from Sydney due to the increased risk to personal and home safety...
    I feel that any decision to approve this application would be detrimental to the progressive community that we enjoy.
    I also feel that the approval of this application will be putting our youngest members of this community at risk due to the proximity of known ex offenders.
    The devaluation of our properties would be a given.

16. Please remember you need to make a submission via LMCC website on this DA to have any effect. You can also write to you North Ward Councillors to express your concerns.

17. This development should not proceed for the following reason,
    It would pose a threat to safety and a risk to property of the residents of the area.
    Risk to public safety in regards to close proximity to Charlestown public pool.
    Safety of School children as there is a school a short distance away.
    Close to businesses etc.
    may cause health problems to citizens in close proximity to the development.
    ie the worry of having ex prisoners nearby not knowing what could happen!
    Devaluation of property. Senior citizens who may want to sell to downsize would be severely affected.

18. I strongly object to this application & want it rejected. As numerous people have already pointed out, the location is completely inappropriate as it is within a short walk to a preschool, a public pool, churches, a public library, charlestown square & numerous schools & sporting activities that are frequented daily by children & families. Hundreds of people including children walk to & from the local schools & sporting/leisure activities & as a community we have a right to feel safe. The newly opened skate park is also only a short stroll away & approving this application would take away the safe place that you have just created for our kids to enjoy. In the middle of a family based community suburb is not the place to put a boarding house, the risk to our community, our children, our families & our property is too high. Come on Council, listen to our community & do not approve this application

19. I am writing to express my concern over the proposed boarding house construction.

    Charlestown is densely populated with families, youth and children and the specific location of this building will bring ex-criminals, drug addicts, paedophiles, in daily contact with children. Children who walk to school, wait at bus stops and play at the pools and playground - all on the same street, or just around the corner.

    I own a children's education service in Charlestown and already have had trouble within the past 6 months with drug addicts who were living in housing commission apartments in Dickinson St who, for several weeks, harassed my clients in their cars, followed them from my premises to their cars and loitered in our grounds, scaring families and children.
    My staff were terrified of locking up at night time and getting to their cars safely.

    My 3 children catch the bus to and from school from Charlestown Square and have already been subjected to terrifying behaviour at the bus stops of people fighting, and beating up other people - all at 8am in the morning. We do not need another 40 such people in this area.

    The demographic of a suburb hugely affects the culture of the community and the value of properties. Introducing this boarding house will have an enormous effect on both of these areas. Is that fair to the current families who have bought into Charlestown, in good faith that it is a safe and desirable suburb to raise a family in?

    As residents of Charlestown, we need to know that the council is doing everything possible to keep our children safe and being pro-active in finding the most suitable areas for boarding houses to be erected.

20. Submission RE: DA 1609/2018 (Lots 1 and 2 in DP409334) – Mulbinga St , Parish of Kahibah.

    I refer to the aforementioned currently under assessment. I respectfully submit that pursuant to Part 4 , Division 4.3 , Section 4.16 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 that the Lake Macquarie City Council should refuse consent to the application on the grounds outlined below.
    Any intention to build and operate an category of “boarding house” in this location is totally inappropriate for this area given its location. Of foremost concern is the welfare of children. My wife and I have 4 children . They already have suffered exposure to elevated crime and threats of intimation as a result of poor council decision like , construction of the “Chip Bowl Skatepark” which, congratulations , has now attracted an increased number of undesirables into an already fragile community.
    With 3 primary schools, a public swimming facility and a number of community centres and sporting grounds within 1 or 2 km of this location I grappling to understand what community minded decision maker would event contemplate such a facility. Clearly not one with kids. Clearly no other suburb wants it!! Why Charlestown?
    Obviously the clandestine nature of these developments and the process leaves the general public little scope for retort and generally unaware of what the ultimately their end use will be. Rest assured as someone who have been in government and law enforcement all his life ( including 12 years in custodial corrections) I suggest there is a strong likelihood this “boarding house” will be operated by some Non Government Organisation , probably subsidised by a Government (state or federal grant) under the guise of domiciling disenfranchised persons for rehabilitation and reintegration purposes. That’s is why nobody wants it. Warning, Warning!
    My experience with these facilities , which is vast, is that they are operated by poorly paid and trained staff in inadequate numbers a with no security and little oversight of residents thus exposing our community to unsay and unquantified risk to their personal safety and the integrity of the personal property.
    Crime is already rampant in our area. My neighbour has been broken into 4 times in 18 months, my kids get harassed when walking to Charlestown Square and many elderly residents in our street who feel unsafe. This is not acceptable.
    This DA needs to be considered for any area less populated, where the general population ( the ratepayers) are not exposed to unmitigated risk. It is incumbent upon Council to consider these grounds. Council has a duty of care to the wider community and should put its needs first and foremost. For our kids sake.

    Matt and Ruth ENDICOTT
    9 Shelton St , Charlestown

21. I am writing to express my concern over the proposed boarding house construction in Charlestown.

    Athough not a resident of Charlestown myself, my two children reside there with their father and step mother every second week. This proposal is of great concern to me as their mother.

    As a current public servant within the NSW Justice sector and former NSW Corrective Services employee, I am fully aware of the types of people (criminals) who would be housed in this type of accommodation. It brings nothing more to the area other than crime and squalor. The boarding house will be under staffed by whichever NGO is awarded the tender, therefore limited monitoring of their whereabouts and behaviour! There will be all manner of criminals housed there, ranging from murderers to sex offenders - right near schools and the public swimming pool.

    I am aware my children have already been subjected to abuse and intimidation by delinquents (youth and adults) who frequent the area around Charlestown square and the new skate bowl. They DO NOT need more of that type, brought into the area.

    This area is primarily populated by good, hard working, law abiding citizens, who pay their taxes. I hope council sees sense and rejects this proposal and finds a more suitable area for this building to be erected.

    Perhaps in an area where the vast majority of its residents do not work and do not pay taxes!!

22. As a parent, I abdolutely object to this application and will be mobilising a strong and intensive lobbying campaign to make it clear that the people of Charlestown do not support such a facility. My children live in the area and to consider putting this rehab centre in such a heavily concentrated suburb of young families is inconceivable and beyond comprehension.

    Ciaran Davis

23. I agree 100% with all of the above grievances aired by all of the concerned residents of Charlestown. I echo everything written by them all. How can council possibly even consider this proposal to be a good idea? Our quiet close community will forever be changed & for what? To give criminals an excellent chance to reoffend (as is the case in a very high percentage of ex cons) in a booming suburb the likes of Charlestown?

    I lived in Adamstown many years ago when the boarding homes & a motel were turned into "rehabilitation homes" for former prison inmates. The fallout was swift & very apparent to all residents. Increased home break-ins & home invasions. Drug affected men loitering around the streets, dropping needles wherever they pleased. Fights, arguments, unruly behaviour day & night, cars broken into & stolen, undesirables coming into the area to visit their mates, once enjoyable playing fields for my children were turned into druggo heaven & the kids did not want to go there anymore. I was confronted by 2, 3 or even more men most nights when I would walk the dog (alone, because my wife & kids were to scared to join me) asking me for money, cigarettes & the like in very threatening manners. I am not a small man, so I can only imagine the intimidation they would have given to smaller people, women, elderly & kids. I moved my family to Charlestown to get away from this, now someone wants to put them on my doorstep again, for their selfish financial gain, without a single thought for the communities safety.

    I have worked as a debt collector/repo man for over 20yrs & I visit these types of establishments on a regular basis, from Kempsey to the Central Coast, so I have first hand experience of dealing with the people in these types of houses. The majority of the residents in these "homes" could not care one iota about anybody but themselves & they use whatever means necessary to achieve their goals. If they were petty criminals, they aren't for long, as they learn new tricks off the hardened criminals.

    I can not stress hard enough the importance of rejecting this absurd proposal to put these types of individuals in an area that is highly populated by & frequented by families, the elderly & children. With numerous schools, child care centres, churches, shops, parks, clubs & sporting facilities in the immediate area, I cannot see how anybody in their right mind thinks that this is a good proposal.
    Build the boarding house out the back of Muswellbrook & get them labouring in the mines if you are serious about these criminals rehabilitation back into society, Charlestown is just not the right fit.

    Thank you for reading my objection to this proposal.

24. An inappropriate choice of location for a Boarding house. Close proximity to several schools, and sport and other activities complexes for children is a recipe for disaster.

25. We raise our children in Charlestown and have seen it work very hard to develop into a family friendly area offering multiple primary schools, childcare centres, local pool, parks, community centres, sporting facilities and family activities such as movies, bowling, cafes and shopping. We feel safe and privileged that our children have access to all this in their community. This development will change everything this community has built. Why should it be a priority for these boarders to receive these community benefits at the risk of so many families (many of which have young children). It makes me feel sick at how this could potentially affect my family in a negative way. This would be a mistake, hopefully common sense for hard working innocent families will prevail over the desire to give these boarders a short walk to the shops. Surely another less risky location could be considered where they can utilise public transport. Please consider the current residents.

26. This development is very alarming! I sincerely hope LMCC considers the impact of such a project on the citizens in this area.
    My family has lived in Charlestown for nearly 60 years & in that time have seen the area grow into a wonderful, safe and family focused town.
    Such a development would undoubtedly, in a massively negative way change our lives forever!!!
    Kane family

27. I agree with all of the above.NO NO NO please don't do this to our community.

28. I agree with everything that has been said please we don't need this. The latest project the Skate park I have had near misses on several occasions driving past with teenagers darting out in front also on skate boards thinking they own the road. You should know that every Thursday night at the bus stops near that corner of the square there is always fights and police have to attend. This is only going to get worse. Why would you even consider this right beside a Preschool, Pool, Scout hall and all near by schools, Playgroups, Dance centres.

29. When I first was alerted to this proposed development I thought it was a joke. How could anyone of sound mind even consider such a proposal? It beggars belief. As a resident of Charlestown of 43 years, I have watched it change dramatically during this time. In my opinion not all of the changes have been for the better but the suburb is a wonderful place to live and raise children. A lot of young families have moved into the area. These young families have brought many children with them. These children deserve to be raised in a safe suburb. If this development goes ahead these children are in danger!! In case Council has not noticed, it is proposed to be built near a pre school, a library, a public swimming pool etc etc

    The developer has stated, “We will select the people that live there,”
    “I am not going to just open it to anyone. We are very, very pedantic about who will be there.” What a joke! How about building it next door to his house! Please Council, reject this development.

30. Brett Lobach

    As a father of a young family in charlestown with children attending St Joseph's PS I am horrified at the thought of this proposal. The site for this development has 2 public schools, a public swimming pool, 4 sporting grounds, a public skate park and several childcare facilities in a very short radius.

    I strongly urge the planning officer to consider these things when deciding weather to approve this proposal.

    Brett Lobach
    Buller St
    Charlestown

31. As others before me have pointed out, to propose such a development in a residential area, where the proposed boarding house/ rehabilitation centre is located very near public facilities attended by children, families & the elderly, is utterly absurd.
    The Council has a Duty of Care to it’s rate payers & residents. There is no Duty of Care being exercised here, to consider allowing the approval of this development.
    The developer states they will be selective with the inhabitants- they won’t have any input into who will reside there, as it will be run by a private company, who will just be putting their hand out for the Govt funding, & not caring about the impact on the local residents.
    Please reconsider this application, it’s proposed location, impact to not just the neighboring households, but to Charlestown itself, the good name it has as a safe place to call home.
    Please, please decline this application for this location.

32. I am writing to strongly object & support all comments to stop the development
    of :boarding house for ex prisoners
    at Mulbing St Charlestown.
    I grew up in this area & have fond memories of growing up in a safe & happy place. I have family that live in that exact street. This will impact enormously on their lives. If this proposal goes ahead it will never be a safe place for children So close to childcare centre, swimming pool, 2 primary schools. Also the vulnerable elderly people in this community. You can never guarrantee the safety of your community putting in place this boarding house of 40 inmates on parole/drug addicts/bikie gangs.
    Charlestown police station no longer exists. You are putting this community in extreme danger. LMCC these criminals have to be located eleswhere. Not where families are.

33. I am writing to express my concern over the proposed boarding house construction in Mulbinga Street Charlestown.

    This type of development is completely inappropriate for a suburban area such as Charlestown. Charlestown demographic is made up largely by young families, especially in and around Mulbinga Street as it is within walking distance of 3 schools, multiple daycares and child minding facilities. This development will hurt local businesses such as Hive Music School, Charlestown swimming pool and surrounding daycare centres as parents will no longer feel confident in leaving their children at these facilities. I understand facilities such as this need to exist to aid members of the community - however I disagree that these types of developments are appropiate in a suburban residental area such as Charlestown.

    Aside from the obvious safety concerns adding another 40+ resident into the area which has 2 new high rise developments within 200m of the site will cause congestion, impacted neighbouring properties and increased pressure on local infrastructure.

34. We are writing to express our absolute dismay and disgust at how LMCC could even consider the proposal to build a Boarding House in this area. We are very long time residents of Charlestown of 40 years and our elderly parents have lived in this vicinity for over 30 years. We have always lived in Charlestown, our first home very close to Mulbinga Street and we didn’t hesitate to live in Charlestown for our second home, as it was always considered a wonderful, family orientated area to raise our children.
    This area has always been considered safe and friendly for the elderly community but also for the many young families that reside here and their children who attend nearby schools.
    Our children attended St Joseph’s and were never placed in danger by having a Boarding House in close vicinity as they walked to their grandparents for before and after school care. Why should children now be frightened to walk to and from school ? The young and elderly have the right to be free to walk in the area without the fear of threat, abuse or intimidation but if the proposal goes ahead, they would become prisoners in their own homes, too frightened to venture out.
    Why would you even consider a Boarding House in a built up residential area, a community of older people and young families where their safety and well being would be comprised?
    St Joseph’s Primary School and Charlestown Public School are in close proximity where many children walk to and from school. Can you assure them and their parents they will be safe?
    Charlestown Swimming Pool is also so close to Mulbinga Street... children, teenagers and adults frequent this 7 days a week... are they going to be safe every time they decide to go for a swim?
    Staff who work at Charlestown Square of various ages, park their cars in surrounding streets. Are they going to be safe from harm walking to and from work at various times during the day and night?
    The Boarding House will house criminals ...why would you house them in a family friendly residential area ? If housed there, the fallout of housing these types of people will become apparent very quickly. People, young and old, will be threatened, intimidated each and every day and more crimes will be committed .
    Charlestown has always been a wonderful, safe area for the young and the elderly to live in. Why risk that all, just for a Boarding House to be built.
    The Boarding House doesn’t necessarily need to be near ‘shops’ and ‘transport’ as the developer stated. Many people don’t necessarily live close to shops or transport and they manage very well!
    There are surely many other viable options other than our family friendly residential Charlestown !! !! ...
    PLEASE DO NOT seriously consider this proposal !

35. I strong object to this development. Not only is it not appropriate in an area so close to schools and parks but as a woman living on my own I would not feel safe knowing this was so close to my home.

36. As others before me have pointed out, to propose such a development in a residential area, where the proposed boarding house/ rehabilitation centre is located very near public facilities attended by children, families & the elderly, is utterly absurd.
    The Council has a Duty of Care to it’s rate payers & residents. There is no Duty of Care being exercised here, to consider allowing the approval of this development.
    The developer states they will be selective with the inhabitants- they won’t have any input into who will reside there, as it will be run by a private company, who will just be putting their hand out for the Govt funding, & not caring about the impact on the local residents.
    Please reconsider this application, it’s proposed location, impact to not just the neighboring households, but to Charlestown itself, the good name it has as a safe place to call home.
    Please, please decline this application for this location.

37. I live opposite 3 & 5 yes 5 too, Mulbinga St (with my two girls) where this ridiculous development is proposed. The amount of schools, child care centres, multi use community halls, churches, multi use scout and guide halls, playing fields, the pool, a park. There is a huge amount of young and old foot traffic past this addresss, school kids, primary and high walk past to go to the pool for sport and lessons. Children also live behind the properties in question. This development cannot go ahead. It's ludicrous to say the least that council would even consider aprroval with so many CHILDREN around tge area.Unhappy Mulbinga St residents.

38. I have lived on milson street for the past five years and live within a hundred meters of this development, and strongly object to the development.
    Doing what i do for a living i travel constantly through newcastle and lake Macquarie suburbs and have seen similar developments and they are awful.

    A property we serviced on a regular basis was 84 Waratah street Mayfeild. This was right next door to a boarding house .
    Where grown men from the facility constantly wondered the street loitering in the park across the road and sat in large groups out of the front of the property constantly smoking and constantly attracting there own kind for whatever dealings.

    not my idea of a community development!!!!

    we stopped servicing the property as the owners had finally sold after 5 months on the market, the developer of the boarding house next door bought it and built more accommodation. the boarding house has currently been forcefully closed because it doesn't meet fire safety regulations, so the tenants of the building are actually on the streets in the community and not happy!

    this will ruin our area!

    This development doesn't just house the forty ex criminals living in it it, attracts all walks of life that will come to either stay or visits these tenants.
    The accommodation it also for short stay tenants wich is dangerous

    This is rubbish and can't go ahead.

    It puts those in the community at risk and it will drop the house prices of those that surround it immediately.

    We have a parks, pools, daycare facilities, shopping centres, schools and a million dollar skate park that is lit up all night long and used by young kids from all over and someone wants to put 40 ex prisoners within meters of it all for there own financial gain against the whole community well being.

    Please don't let it proceed it's not wanted here!

39. I have grandchildren who live with their father on a part-time basis nearby this proposed "boarding house".

    I think we all understand that no-one, anywhere, wants this type of proposed development nearby, but to consider putting it beside a daycare facility, swimming pool and schools appears to be very shortsighted indeed.

    I totally agree with previous comments about the type of resident this facility will attract. They are run by private organisations who couldn't give two hoots about who lives there. All they care about is how much money they can get from the government. Look at what the recent investigations into aged care facilities has uncovered. Maximum charge for minimal output. Doesn't matter what type of "care" is involved, they are all outsourced, with very little oversight, least of all by the government! This Boarding House will no doubt fall into line with other similar facilities, where they are run with minimum staff during the day, and probably even less at night and it doesn't take a huge leap of imagination to know where these "residents" will spend their days - walking around Charlestown Plaza of course!

    Surely local residents and organisations must be included in this decision, as they after all will have to bear the results of sharing their neighbourhood with ex criminals of all persuasions.

40. I too object to this development, & believe that is very inappropriate for this location. I am a young mother of two who lives in the street & walk my daughter to school past the proposed development everyday. There is not a chance I would ever feel safe doing this if the housing was to be approved.

    Please please do not approve this.

    Sincerely one unhappy & fearful mulbinga street resident.

41. The proposed “Boarding House Development” of 3 & 5 Mulbinga St Charlestown can be interpreted as a glimpse into the future strategic direction LMCC council staff will be directed under the stewardship of the recently appointed CEO and newly created Development and Planning division.
    Early indications suggest that corporate connections, opportunistic future financial gains and development contributions to council are to be prioritised over the needs, expectations and wellbeing of the rate paying community.
    This directional shift is evidenced in this application by what can only be interpreted as the intentional omission of the neighbouring Charlestown Child Care and Early Learning Centre. This oversight has occurred even though council staff were active in the initial planning process working alongside the developer.
    As noted in the applications Statement of Environmental Facts: “the proposed development has been the subject of a pre-DA meeting with Lake Macquarie Council on the 10th of April 2018. All items raised in this meeting have been addressed by this application,” (SEF Page 11). Further to this, “the design of the proposal has been informed by a detailed design analysis, and consultation with Council staff, to ensure the proposal will provide a streetscape outcome reflecting the sites general context and will not impact on the amenity provided to adjoining allotments.” (SEF Page 5) Of importance here is the quote “will not impact on the amenity provided to adjoining allotments”.
    The question then obviously is, how can impact on adjoining allotments be assessed when it has deliberately been over looked? This intentional oversight becomes even more obvious in Figure 5 of the Statement of Environmental Facts which reports the childcare centre to be “Council Reserve to the West” (SEF Page 9) even though there is a sign, in the photo, “Charlestown Child Care and Early Learning Centre.”
    Interestingly point 6.6 of the Statement of Environmental Facts titled “Submissions made in respect of Application” suggests that “this Development Application will require notification to adjoining neighbours.” To date no approach has been made by LMCC staff or the developer with the centre. Further to this, council staff associated with the management of the centre which is leased by LMCC were also omitted from notification of the Development Application.
    The Statement of Environmental Facts provides the developer numerous opportunities to raise the childcare centre, however again and again it is omitted and neglected from discussion. Page 19 “How does the proposed development impact on the local area,” no mention. Point “5.9, Social Impact: The proposal has been the subject of a Social Impact analysis, to ensure a full and proper response is provided to the existing social environment. The considerations for social impact comments, as outlined in Council consultation, are addressed as follows” (Page 18). Again, no comment is made on Charlestown Child Care and Early Learning Centre.
    Without addressing the fact that the adjoining property to the proposed boarding house development is a centre attracting the most vulnerable in the community and the multiple risks associated not only upon completion but also during construction it fails achieve a multitude of expectations required to proceed any further especially with respect to meeting the requirements of “6.4 Likely Impact of the Development”.
    The Statement of Environmental Facts goes on to describe that “given the proposals careful consideration of amenity provided to neighbouring allotments it is not expected to raise any significant objection.” (Page 28). Given the public criticism, number of submissions opposing the development and media exposure generated, it is clear that both developer and council staff have misjudged the sites suitability for a “boarding house development”.
    Looking into it further, council staff’s enthusiasm to proceed with the application as described in the application, combined with the deliberate and obvious omission of the child care centre from the application can only be regarded as devious and reckless behaviour raising concerns regarding council staff competence and possible mis-conduct.
    The question therefore needs to be asked as to why council are so enthusiastic and why was Charlestown Child Care and Early Learning Centre neglected in this process? The centre, which is a not for profit organisation, providing affordable childcare for local residents in an agreement with LMCC who lease the facilities. A co-agreement between council and the community.
    The answer could well be that realistically, a childcare centre next to a boarding house will not survive. Although the developer eludes that they will control the clientele, again realistically with the pressure on crisis accommodation within NSW and the pricing associated with it, it is more than probable the residents of the proposed developed would be a diverse social mix with no guarantees as to the risk they may place on the children next door.
    As attendance levels reduce at the childcare centre, financial hardship sets in leaving it no choice but to cease operating. The result - a number of rate paying residents without a community based childcare centre. However, council are left with a prime piece of vacant land.
    This brings things back to my opening paragraph regarding future opportunistic financial gain. With the centre now closed, LMCC are left with an extremely valuable parcel of land not only capitalising on its future sale but also the developer contributions that will flow in upon approval of the next similar high-rise development.
    I appreciate that fiscal management forms a key component to ensuring a successful and sustainable local government. However, putting financial gain ahead of amenity and public safety by placing at risk the most vulnerable in the community calls to question the credibility of council staff at all levels and their decision-making capacity as leaders within the community.
    In its current form, the application is flawed and until the issues outlined above are addressed in an open and transparent manor it cannot proceed. If approved without these and the other issues expressed via multiple opposing submissions, consideration will be given to referring the matter to the appropriate authorities to examine with certainty that no mis-conduct between council staff and the developer has occurred.

42. Regarding: Objection to DA 1609/2018 3-5 MULBINGA STREET CHARLESTOWN Lot and DP: LOTS 1-2 DP 409334 Proposal: BOARDING HOUSE (4 X 3 STOREY BUILDINGS CONTAINING A TOTAL OF 40 units)

    Please accept this email as our formal objection to the DA 1609/2018 for 3 and 5 Mulbinga Street Charlestown for a boarding house facility for 40 residence, onsite caretaker and 20 car parking spaces. Our daughter attends Charlestown Childcare Centre at 17 Mulbinga street, Charlestown the direct neighbour to this proposed development.
    Our concerns are:
    • Unknown users of the boarding house (mental health needs, rehabilitation, high-risk offenders, homeless etc?). The implication of a boarding house with onsite caretaker sets a tone that the residence will require constant monitoring or support. We question whether this location is suitable for such a development when it is located adjacent to a childcare centre, near a public swimming pool, schools, soccer, netball and football ovals and a scout hall/girl guides, placing many vulnerable children and young families at risk.
    • Boarding house by council definition is to supply lodging for 3 or more months- this constant movement of ‘neighbours’ that are in short-term care is concerning on the social impact of the facility. Rather than building a community environment, the constant changing of residence with little regard for a community will have negative social and criminal implications on our constantly expanding community. What new infrastructure will be in place to support another 40 individuals? Their social, psychological and medical needs?
    • Concern regarding provision for only 20 car parking spaces for 40 residence and no visitor carparks. The streets are already overcrowded with cars from the overflow from the residence, staff from Charlestown Square and the neighbouring businesses. Where will the residents or the visitor's park? The lack of space for onsite parking means that children and parents with prams as well as the elderly or mobility challenged people will be placed at risk having to walk between cars parked on the street.
    • The are no provisions for footpaths, again with no parking provisions this will impact to the community as mentioned in the above point. This also raises a concern how these 40 residences will move around the neighbour. No new provisions for infrastructure to support them.
    • Charlestown Police Station is no longer manned- Although this issue has already seen an increase of graffiti in the area. Adding another 40 transient residence will only impact this community more. With the closest response unit being Belmont Police Station. This is not acceptable to an already overstressed emergency service.

    The fact that a large development such as this has been lodged with council without prior community consultation and disclosure of who the residence are raised many concerns regarding potential criminal and social impact on our community. We object this application due to the negative social impact this development will have on the community.

    Kind Regards,
    D & G Ballardie

43. Wrong Street, surely!!!
    Next to a Child Care Centre and very close to a wonderful Swim Centre and other children focussed community facilities.
    Boarding houses are a necessary community facility but LMC should be wise where such a facility is built.
    The lack of adequate provision for car spaces in LMC’s Planning Regs is poorly thought out when FOOT PATHS are so inadequate in such an increasingly higher density living environment.
    LMC would like residents to give up driving cars but have failed to provide safe walking zones for pedestrians.

44. I disagree with the above comments. The development is appropriate for the further development of an area. It is positioned where medium density/ high density housing exists and the fact that people are complaining that it is near childcare facilities and the pool is in my opinion morally bankrupt. Who are you to say where someone can live and in what they should live in, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Areas get built up and because of population density prices increase and there is more demand on housing. It's part of a cycle. Sell if you dont like it. Also I love how people are like they can live where they want but not near me! What a joke. Development is good. Density of an area creates demand which increases prices which supports your retirement. These people that oppose just dont want to live next to a boarding house. (I wonder if they would be happy if the language changed and it was just called a small apartment development? ) and because they dont want to live next to the development they present fearmongering arguments. Develop and give these people a space to live.

45. In response to Christian Cramp's submission. I'm not sure you have read the full report on who the residents of this boarding house will be. The Lake Macquarie Police Crime Prevention Officer has confirmed that the residents of this boarding house will be convicted criminals being re-assimilated back into the community after serving their sentence. The police confirmed in an email that rapist, paedophiles, people who have committed aggravated assault etc will be the clientele for this boarding house. The email goes on to say that the NSW police DO NOT support this type of development in a residential area such as Charlestown as it poses an IMMEDIATE THREAT to residents and surrounding businesses such as schools, childcare centres and the swimming pool. They go on to say that NSW Housing no longer support these types of developments for as research shows it increases crimal activity, break-in, assualts, drug use etc in the surrounding areas. Lake Macquarie Council have since removed this damning email from the development application documents on their website under this development application. Yet even after the council has received information to say the police do not support this development they are still asking the developer for more information! I have emailed them asking why this email was removed and why they are not reject this development when they don't have the support of NSW Police. I sugest that anyone above who have written to express concerns email lake Mac and ask why this email has been removed and demand it be reinstated as evidence that this development is not supported by the police and will have a negative effect on our community! If you would like to email them - please email: jbeverley@lakemac.nsw.gov.au,
    council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

46. I thought if you were a convicted pedophile, you were not allowed to live in close proximity to anywhere that is frequented by children. How can they possibly even consider allowing this facility to built directly next door to a child care centre and so close to schools, public swimming pool etc. There is something morally wrong with this decision and the council should not even consider it.

47. Regarding Development DA/1609/2018
    We have recently moved into Kaleen St and are shocked to find out LMCC has this boarding house submission under consideration. Not only is this boarding house located near the swimming pool, schools etc it will also be near (over the other side of the creek) to the community centres on James St and nest door to a small hall also used by the community.
    As it will back on to Flaggy Creek this would also give it residents access to move around the area this way as well. It appears the developer lives in the Charlestown area but not on this side of the highway, however the developer isn't likely to build such a place near his home? LMCC should reject this application now with no further debate and possibly advise Jeremy Bath of Newcastle Council to allow the closed boarding houses to be reopened after they have been brought up date. It would be interesting to hear what the Charlestown Police have to say about this submission as it will impact on them as well due to the type of residents.
    Signed by David & Joy Mansfield and Trevor Reeve

48. In response to the updated information regarding the proposed “Boarding House Development” of 3 & 5 Mulbinga St Charlestown, firstly, I would like to thank the developer and Resolve Urban planning for acknowledging that the site does actually adjoin Charlestown Child Care and Early Learning Centre and council operated Charlestown Swimming Pool in Figure 5.
    However, it’s unfortunate little to no further mention is made regarding the sites direct neighbours throughout the rest of the report. In fact, the application states that “the proposal will have no impact on the amenity provided to adjoining allotments”. To argue that (at a minimum) 41 new residents will have no impact on adjoining properties is just one of the concerns that clearly demonstrates the flawed nature of the application and highlights how much more work is required to address the concerns raised by the community and council.
    If anything, the updated information raisers several new concerns that I had not considered in my previous response. Firstly, parking and the impact of 40 new units. The application itself acknowledges that it is non-compliant with respect of parking with 20 car spaces, for 40 rooms + boarding house manager. The application also concludes that rooms will most likely be “used by one single lodger”, however no guarantee can be placed on this. The report is extremely weighted towards best case scenario. And although the provision for approval is 0.5 car spaces per unit, realistically there will be a significant impact with regards to extra vehicles and increased parking pressure in the local area.
    I agree with the applications observation that there is space surrounding the proposed site. However, this is at the detriment of the childcare centre and swimming pool and the risk therefore associated with this change has not been addressed and will require further explanation and investigation. The application is also relying on Council for waste collection. Bin collection day will only exacerbate parking issues and increasing safety risks to the community. This element and strategies to reduce impact will also need addressing.
    Again, I agree and acknowledge that there is a need for affordable housing options. Where this proposal falls short is its location. Although the report notes that “rooms are not intended to be used for crisis accommodation, substance rehabilitation or solely for student accommodation”, it fails to provide any further information or strategies as to how it would implement this and seems to have been added purely to appease community concerns. Once again further information with regards to management procedures surrounding this concern would be deemed essential for the proposal to proceed any further.
    To date, no consultation has been requested from the developer or council to discuss the concerns. I am confident that there are members of the community prepared to work not against the proposal but alongside all parties to achieve an outcome that is suitable for the entire community. However at this stage, a significant amount of further information is still required for the application to proceed any further.

49. As everyone has already listed, there cannot possibly be a worse location for this. Right next to a public pool and schools? Who the hell came up with this idea? No one in their sane mind could possibly decide this is an okay idea.

Have your say on this application

Your comment and details will be sent to Lake Macquarie City Council. They may consider your submission when they decide whether to approve this application. Your name and comment will be posted publicly above.

Create an account or sign in to make a comment