This development is already a significant overdevelopment of the site, unsupported by the Yarra Planning Scheme. An additional level to 9 storeys should not be permitted.
The Scheme specifically states that the implementation of the built form strategies in clause 21.05 and 21.08 of the Scheme includes:
- Ensuring no new development presents as a dominating built form along Smith Street;
- Ensuring new development respects the scale of adjoining existing clusters of low rise residential development;
- Require development within Yarra’s activity centres to respect and not dominate existing built form;
- Smith Street is a classic main road strip generally consisting of buildings of two to four storeys interspersed with the occasional building of up to 6 storeys (described as signature buildings); and
- Development within activity centres should generally be no more than 5-6 storeys unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal can achieve specific benefits such as significant upper level setbacks, architectural design excellence, best practice environmental sustainability objectives in design and construction, high quality restoration and adaptive re-use of heritage buildings, positive contribution to the enhancement of the public domain, provision of affordable housing.
This is yet another example of overdevelopment in Collingwood. Nobody comes to Smith Street to admire residential towers - most small businesses along this part of Smith Street are now closed due to demolition & construction. These small businesses won't be back.
Please protect the fine grain heritage nature of Smith St.
