Development ‘out of character’

LOUISA RUST

The convenor of a Windang residents’ group has criticised Wollongong Council for not consulting the community about a development application for a three-storey commercial and retail building on Windang Road.

Windang resident Peter Mair voiced his concerns last week in a letter to the council.

Mr Mair said he and other Windang residents had several concerns about the application, and believed that at three storeys, the development was “out of character” for the area.

The development, with parking for 42 cars, is planned for 217-221 Windang Road at Windang, with vehicle access via Kurrajong Street.

Mr Mair said he did not understand why Windang needed another commercial development, and was concerned about the traffic implications of the proposal.

“The Windang community has asked Council to have respectful regard for the area as a quiet residential precinct – recognising the proximity of major commercial areas north at Warrawong and south-west at Oak Flats as well as a substantial commercial presence some 2 km south, at Warilla,” Mr Mair wrote in the letter.

“The Windang community itself is unlikely to have any need for additional commercial enterprises – general commercial businesses already in Windang are hardly prosperous and a recent expansion of commercial premises is hardly a success given its unfinished state and ‘for sale’ status.

“A related concern is about the implications of turning Kurrajong Street – a quiet residential street – into a commercial thoroughfare.”

Mr Mair said he would also like to know what type of business the building would hold.

“Do I want a drive through Domino’s and liquor store? No,” he said.

“Do I think there will be a genuine commercial opportunity in this development? No.”

Mr Mair said he and several other Windang residents want the council to limit the construction to two-storeys and restrict the permitted character of the retail businesses to low traffic.

“In any event, the Windang community would like Council, in association with the developer, to convene a meeting of the Windang community…to discuss this proposal,” he said.

Fellow Windang resident Maurice Reed said he was not against development, but consultation needed to be undertaken.

“It is a desirable place to live – so I can understand why developers when they feast their eyes on this region, anticipate the chance of making a fast buck, regardless of what sort of footprint is left.”

A Wollongong Council spokesperson said council welcomes submissions from the public on any DA proposal of public exhibition.

“Members of the public have until 28 March to comment on this DA,” the spokesperson said.