andrew sorensen
Object
andrew sorensen
Object
KINGSFORD
,
New South Wales
Message
I object to the proposed development SSD-79257208, and submit that the proposed development should be rejected, having regard to the requirements of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979, including section 10.3 of the State Significant Development Guidelines, and the Planning Secretary’s Environment Assessment Requirements (SEARs). The proposed development is misconceived both in terms of its objectives and its execution.
Reasons for objection:
(1) UNSW has failed to establish any requirement for the additional 505 car parking spaces to be provided by the extension. UNSW is well-served by public transport, including L2 and L3 Light Rail services on Anzac Parade and High Street and multiple, high-frequency bus services, as well as cycling and walking paths. Workers, visitors and students do not have to resort to private vehicles to attend the UNSW campus. As a long-term resident of the area, I have observed that the existing Barker Street carpark is typically underutilized, with the top (open air) parking level either empty or with a small scattering of parked cars during weekday periods of peak usage. Recent time stamped photos are attached. The carpark is a paid carpark, and consequently UNSW students do not use it. Instead, the students take all available street parking in the surrounding residential streets. The proposed extension will not achieve UNSW’s claimed objective of reducing parking congestion in residential streets surrounding UNSW, because regardless of the extension, students will continue in future to avoid using the paid car park and instead park on the streets.
(2) The proposed car park extension is contrary to the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD), as it will encourage and increase private motor vehicle usage by workers and visitors to UNSW, increasing fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to unsustainable growth in traffic congestion. The extension is also contrary to:
(a) The Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050;
(b) The State Government’s policy of committing to sustainable practices and policies to preserve the natural environment, including by encouraging the usage of sustainable, low impact public transport, through initiatives such as the Light Rail, which was purpose-built to service the UNSW campus and the Randwick local government area; and
(c) section 10 of the SEARS, which requires provision by UNSW of a transport and accessibility impact assessment which includes measures to promote sustainable travel choices for employees, residents, students and visitors, such as minimizing car parking provision and encouraging public transport. Manifestly, the proposed extension does not minimize, but rather adds to, car parking provision and encourages motor vehicle usage rather than public transport.
(3) The proposed car park extension will have a major adverse impact on the amenity of the area, including as follows:
(a) the proposed extension will result in a large 8-storey above-ground concrete carpark, exhibiting massive visual scale, bulk and ugliness, which is exacerbated by its location right on the boundary of Barker Street, in the context of low to medium density residential housing of 1 to 3 stories, immediately to the south and east of the development;
(b) increased traffic movements and traffic congestion on already traffic-choked streets surrounding UNSW, in particular Barker Street, which is heavily trafficked and presently backs up with traffic queuing east of Anzac Parade during morning peak hours, past the point of exit and entry to the Barker Street carpark;
(c) additional traffic hazards and likelihood of motor vehicle, cycle and pedestrian accidents, through increased numbers of cars entering and exiting Barker Street during periods of high traffic flow and congestion;
(d) substantially increased overshadowing of areas to the south and to the east of the carpark, due to the increased height, scale and bulk of the carpark;
(e) loss of district views from residential dwellings to the east of the development, due to the substantially increased height, scale and bulk of the carpark;
(f) loss of privacy in residential dwellings to the east and south of the development, due to the substantially increased height of the carpark, with the result that car park users on the new levels will be able to look directly into and down on residential housing in those areas;
(g) light pollution from the additional levels of the carpark. The carpark is open-sided with mesh screens, and each level remains brightly lit until very late at night, creating significant light pollution every night, which will be substantially increased by the additional 3 levels and increased height and scale of the carpark, flooding the area.
(4) The proposed car park extension fails to comply with the aims, objectives and requirements of the Randwick Local Environmental Plan (LEP). In particular:
(a) the objectives of the zone (SP2 Educational Establishment) include to facilitate development that will not adversely affect the amenity of nearby and adjoining development. As described at point (3), the extension will substantially adversely impact the amenity of nearby and adjoining low and medium density residential development;
(b) the proposed extension will substantially exceed the 18 meter LEP height limit applicable to the proposed development, which is well within 30m of both the southern and eastern boundaries of the site. The building is situated right on the southern boundary of the site with virtually no setback. The architectural drawings indicate the height of the development will increase from 13.4 m to approximately 21.4 m;
(c) The aims of the Randwick LEP (section 1.2) include:
a. to achieve a high standard of design in the private and public domain that enhances the quality of life of the community,
b. to promote sustainable transport, public transport use, walking and cycling,
c. to promote the importance of ecological sustainability and resilience in the planning and development process,
d. to protect, enhance and promote the environmental qualities of Randwick.
The proposed extension fails to achieve those aims, because:
(i) The extension fails to demonstrate any design excellence, imagination or architectural merit, and consequently fails to enhance the quality of life of the community;
(ii) it fails to promote sustainable transport, public transport use, walking and cycling, Instead, it promotes unsustainable motor vehicle usage;
(iii) it fails to promote the importance of ecological sustainability and resilience, as it encourages the use of motor vehicles, increased fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions, and unsustainable increases in traffic congestion;
(iv) it fails to protect, enhance and promote the environmental qualities of Randwick, for the reasons described above and at points (5) and (6) below.
(5) The proposed car park extension fails to demonstrate any design excellence, imagination or architectural merit. It simplistically adds 3 bulky, concrete, above-ground carpark levels identical to the floorplan of the existing 5-storey, square, bulky, ugly above-ground carpark. The proposed extension substantially exacerbates the visual bulk, scale and ugliness of the existing carpark, without any effective ameliorating design. The proposal exhibits design principles more in-keeping with the 1970s, than the 21st century. Applying contemporary 21st century design principles and taking into proper consideration the amenity of the surrounding area, any additional car parking spaces should be constructed below ground. It is noteworthy that basement car parking spaces are presently under construction at the western UNSW campus site on Anzac Parade (DA/168/2023). Additional below ground car parking levels could be constructed at the existing Barker Street carpark site, or at one or more of the several (existing or proposed) building construction sites on the UNSW campus.
(6) The proposed development does not constitute good design in accordance with the seven objectives for good design in Better Placed (referred to in section 3 of the SEARs):
(a) The proposed development is not a better fit contextual, local and of its place. The proposed development will result in an 8-storey square, bulky, concrete above-ground carpark up against the boundary of Barker Street, in the context of the streetscape on Barker Street and Willis Street and surrounding areas, consisting of low to medium density residential development of 1 to 3 storeys;
(b) The proposed development does not result in better performance that is sustainable, adaptable and durable. The development encourages greater motor vehicle usage by workers, visitors and students, causing unsustainable traffic congestion, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It is contrary to the objective of encouraging the sustainable alternative of public transport.
(c) The proposed development is not better for community as it is not inclusive, connected or diverse. Rather it alienates the community by its bulk, scale and visual ugliness, and it will bring greater traffic congestion into the local area from workers, visitors and students, adversely impacting the community and the amenity of the area.
(d) The proposed development is not better for people as it is not safe, comfortable and liveable. It will result in increased traffic congestion and a greater risk of motor vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
(e) The proposed development does not represent better working as it is not functional, efficient or fit for purpose. UNSW has not demonstrated a need for the carpark extension, and it is contrary to the principles of ESD by promoting unsustainable motor vehicle usage.
(g) The proposed development does not have a better look and feel, is not engaging, inviting or attractive. It is a simplistic 3-level bulky addition to an existing ugly carpark.
Reasons for objection:
(1) UNSW has failed to establish any requirement for the additional 505 car parking spaces to be provided by the extension. UNSW is well-served by public transport, including L2 and L3 Light Rail services on Anzac Parade and High Street and multiple, high-frequency bus services, as well as cycling and walking paths. Workers, visitors and students do not have to resort to private vehicles to attend the UNSW campus. As a long-term resident of the area, I have observed that the existing Barker Street carpark is typically underutilized, with the top (open air) parking level either empty or with a small scattering of parked cars during weekday periods of peak usage. Recent time stamped photos are attached. The carpark is a paid carpark, and consequently UNSW students do not use it. Instead, the students take all available street parking in the surrounding residential streets. The proposed extension will not achieve UNSW’s claimed objective of reducing parking congestion in residential streets surrounding UNSW, because regardless of the extension, students will continue in future to avoid using the paid car park and instead park on the streets.
(2) The proposed car park extension is contrary to the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD), as it will encourage and increase private motor vehicle usage by workers and visitors to UNSW, increasing fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to unsustainable growth in traffic congestion. The extension is also contrary to:
(a) The Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050;
(b) The State Government’s policy of committing to sustainable practices and policies to preserve the natural environment, including by encouraging the usage of sustainable, low impact public transport, through initiatives such as the Light Rail, which was purpose-built to service the UNSW campus and the Randwick local government area; and
(c) section 10 of the SEARS, which requires provision by UNSW of a transport and accessibility impact assessment which includes measures to promote sustainable travel choices for employees, residents, students and visitors, such as minimizing car parking provision and encouraging public transport. Manifestly, the proposed extension does not minimize, but rather adds to, car parking provision and encourages motor vehicle usage rather than public transport.
(3) The proposed car park extension will have a major adverse impact on the amenity of the area, including as follows:
(a) the proposed extension will result in a large 8-storey above-ground concrete carpark, exhibiting massive visual scale, bulk and ugliness, which is exacerbated by its location right on the boundary of Barker Street, in the context of low to medium density residential housing of 1 to 3 stories, immediately to the south and east of the development;
(b) increased traffic movements and traffic congestion on already traffic-choked streets surrounding UNSW, in particular Barker Street, which is heavily trafficked and presently backs up with traffic queuing east of Anzac Parade during morning peak hours, past the point of exit and entry to the Barker Street carpark;
(c) additional traffic hazards and likelihood of motor vehicle, cycle and pedestrian accidents, through increased numbers of cars entering and exiting Barker Street during periods of high traffic flow and congestion;
(d) substantially increased overshadowing of areas to the south and to the east of the carpark, due to the increased height, scale and bulk of the carpark;
(e) loss of district views from residential dwellings to the east of the development, due to the substantially increased height, scale and bulk of the carpark;
(f) loss of privacy in residential dwellings to the east and south of the development, due to the substantially increased height of the carpark, with the result that car park users on the new levels will be able to look directly into and down on residential housing in those areas;
(g) light pollution from the additional levels of the carpark. The carpark is open-sided with mesh screens, and each level remains brightly lit until very late at night, creating significant light pollution every night, which will be substantially increased by the additional 3 levels and increased height and scale of the carpark, flooding the area.
(4) The proposed car park extension fails to comply with the aims, objectives and requirements of the Randwick Local Environmental Plan (LEP). In particular:
(a) the objectives of the zone (SP2 Educational Establishment) include to facilitate development that will not adversely affect the amenity of nearby and adjoining development. As described at point (3), the extension will substantially adversely impact the amenity of nearby and adjoining low and medium density residential development;
(b) the proposed extension will substantially exceed the 18 meter LEP height limit applicable to the proposed development, which is well within 30m of both the southern and eastern boundaries of the site. The building is situated right on the southern boundary of the site with virtually no setback. The architectural drawings indicate the height of the development will increase from 13.4 m to approximately 21.4 m;
(c) The aims of the Randwick LEP (section 1.2) include:
a. to achieve a high standard of design in the private and public domain that enhances the quality of life of the community,
b. to promote sustainable transport, public transport use, walking and cycling,
c. to promote the importance of ecological sustainability and resilience in the planning and development process,
d. to protect, enhance and promote the environmental qualities of Randwick.
The proposed extension fails to achieve those aims, because:
(i) The extension fails to demonstrate any design excellence, imagination or architectural merit, and consequently fails to enhance the quality of life of the community;
(ii) it fails to promote sustainable transport, public transport use, walking and cycling, Instead, it promotes unsustainable motor vehicle usage;
(iii) it fails to promote the importance of ecological sustainability and resilience, as it encourages the use of motor vehicles, increased fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions, and unsustainable increases in traffic congestion;
(iv) it fails to protect, enhance and promote the environmental qualities of Randwick, for the reasons described above and at points (5) and (6) below.
(5) The proposed car park extension fails to demonstrate any design excellence, imagination or architectural merit. It simplistically adds 3 bulky, concrete, above-ground carpark levels identical to the floorplan of the existing 5-storey, square, bulky, ugly above-ground carpark. The proposed extension substantially exacerbates the visual bulk, scale and ugliness of the existing carpark, without any effective ameliorating design. The proposal exhibits design principles more in-keeping with the 1970s, than the 21st century. Applying contemporary 21st century design principles and taking into proper consideration the amenity of the surrounding area, any additional car parking spaces should be constructed below ground. It is noteworthy that basement car parking spaces are presently under construction at the western UNSW campus site on Anzac Parade (DA/168/2023). Additional below ground car parking levels could be constructed at the existing Barker Street carpark site, or at one or more of the several (existing or proposed) building construction sites on the UNSW campus.
(6) The proposed development does not constitute good design in accordance with the seven objectives for good design in Better Placed (referred to in section 3 of the SEARs):
(a) The proposed development is not a better fit contextual, local and of its place. The proposed development will result in an 8-storey square, bulky, concrete above-ground carpark up against the boundary of Barker Street, in the context of the streetscape on Barker Street and Willis Street and surrounding areas, consisting of low to medium density residential development of 1 to 3 storeys;
(b) The proposed development does not result in better performance that is sustainable, adaptable and durable. The development encourages greater motor vehicle usage by workers, visitors and students, causing unsustainable traffic congestion, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It is contrary to the objective of encouraging the sustainable alternative of public transport.
(c) The proposed development is not better for community as it is not inclusive, connected or diverse. Rather it alienates the community by its bulk, scale and visual ugliness, and it will bring greater traffic congestion into the local area from workers, visitors and students, adversely impacting the community and the amenity of the area.
(d) The proposed development is not better for people as it is not safe, comfortable and liveable. It will result in increased traffic congestion and a greater risk of motor vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
(e) The proposed development does not represent better working as it is not functional, efficient or fit for purpose. UNSW has not demonstrated a need for the carpark extension, and it is contrary to the principles of ESD by promoting unsustainable motor vehicle usage.
(g) The proposed development does not have a better look and feel, is not engaging, inviting or attractive. It is a simplistic 3-level bulky addition to an existing ugly carpark.