I object to this demolition-only Development Application.
I own a property in Gladesville therefore I am commenting on this DA as it affects the general area. I object to this Development Application.
The existing dwelling appears consistent with Federation or Inter-War era housing and reflects the historic residential development pattern of Buffalo Road. It is in good condition and contributes to the heritage-influenced, garden-suburb character of the street, which is defined by older detached homes set within generous grassed and landscaped settings.
The demolition is proposed to facilitate a future multi-dwelling development however, no detailed design for the multi-dwelling development has been lodged at this stage. As a result, Council cannot properly assess whether the loss of the existing house and its landscaped setting would lead to a future outcome that is compatible with the established streetscape, scale, and character of the area.
Approving demolition in advance of a detailed multi-dwelling proposal is premature. It risks the permanent loss of a sound, contributory dwelling and its garden setting without any assurance that a future development will appropriately respond to neighbourhood character, landscaping objectives, or streetscape amenity.
NSW planning law requires councils to consider impacts on the existing environment and neighbourhood character, not just the act of demolition itself. Demolishing a well-maintained contributory dwelling to enable a more intensive form of development, without full details available for assessment, does not meet that expectation.
From a sustainability perspective, demolishing a sound existing dwelling also discards its embodied energy and generates avoidable waste.
Once demolished, this contribution to the character of Buffalo Road cannot be recovered, and the application does not demonstrate any clear public or planning benefit that justifies approval at this stage.
