I object for the following reasons:
-impact on wildlife: loss of habitat, noise from large machinery for months on end; noise from traffic due to functions held at the site; loss of wildlife due to more traffic between dusk and dawn;
- the Southern Highlands do not need another overpriced and under utilised hotel which only serves as an easy way into developing the whole site into apartments in the future which is not what is needed in this location or anywhere else in the Southern Highlands
- Berrima Gaol is an important historic site and should be maintained as such to enable future generations to be able to visit and learn about the rich history this site/building enjoys

While I support in general the adaptive reuse of the Berrima Gaol buildings I strongly OBJECT to the proposal by the Bluesox Group that is currently on exhibition. My reasons are as follows:
The site is central to Berrima and the gaol is the most historically and visually prominent building in the village. The proposed building design demonstrates a lack of empathy with the gaol buildings and other buildings in the Berrima village. If approved, the historical value and its setting will be destroyed. In addition, the value and attraction of Berrima village as a special and unique place to visit will be significantly reduced.
Of particular concern are the proposal to break the front (eastern) facade wall with a 4 metre opening to accommodate a shop entrance, and the construction of a large and bulky building on the western (river) side of the main gaol building. This would largely obscure the massive sandstone western wall rising above the river corridor and public pathway through it. All the walls are considered to have State heritage significance, and the front facade contains the historic entrance with its impressive entrance gates.
Other concerns include noise and traffic impacts related to both construction and the uses proposed, and drainage into the Wingecarribee River.

I've had a look at the proposed designs and I hope this is approved. I've been through the designs, and had a chance to visit the Gaol for the open day to talk to the architects in October. The developer and designers have put a lot of thought into balancing the heritage: Like creating a new entrance into the front wall that's reversable, putting the new hotel suites outside and at the back, so the inside of the gaol can be used by visitors and locals (people who aren't hotel guests), and working some of the cells inside into rooms as well.
I saw a shop protesting this development, but everyone at the open day I went to seemed really excited about it. All the designs showed a strong plan for restoring the place and getting it used for the long term future. I think this development is a great opportunity for Berrima.

Please see my attached document.

This development is what Berrima needs but it must be respectful of the heritage. I would like the Motel rooms to be a little lower and perhaps angle the windows slightly to face north as this could alleviate some of the glare from the western sun.

I wish to object to the current Berrima Gaol development proposal on the following grounds:
Berrima Village is a heritage town that is a popular tourist destination. It does not require a development the size of this proposal.
I object to the size of the proposed car park which is out of context with the current village.
The risks involved in the proposed accommodation structure which is so close to the Wingacaribee River home to platypus, wombats, ducks and numerous bird life.
The proposed accommodation structure is not in keeping with the Georgian Village. There is not a piece of sandstone in sight, just modern materials, built to a cost.
Berrima will cease to be a Heritage Village if this proceeds and will become yet another country town and lose its rare heritage which NSW has so little of.
It is a sacrilege to cut into the wall of the existing building, as proposed to create a cafe of which Berrima currently has 8 of.
Also loud late night music and extra car noise exiting the venue will affect the ambience of the area which is the very reason why people choose to come to Berrima and stay in the many B&B's for the serenity of country life

Berrima recognises it’s history but also needs development to grow and thrive in the future. The Gaol will need a sustainable business model for owners to achieve long term maintenance of the structures and grounds, whilst also creating opportunity for our children and access to the inside of the Gaol as a key part of village life, not just as an aesthetic photo opportunity but integrated into daily village life.

my objection attached