WW1 returned service cottage threatened with demolition

18 Richmond Crescent

The proposed demolition of number 18 Richmond Crescent would destroy the last remaining WW1 returned soldier settlement cottage in original condition in our area. This would erode the overall value of the conservation precinct.

Hunter’s Hill Council initially refused the DA to demolish the cottage, undertake a major excavation and construct a very large 3 storey building that is completely out of character in this Conversation Area and does not comply with the LEP.

The amended plans that are now being considered do not appear to adequately address the issues raised by concerned neighbours or the Council: (more…)

admin2017-09-03T11:06:18+10:00July 17, 2017|

Hunters Hill Hotel – extended hours ‘not in the public interest’

Community action and good sense have prevailed.

The Land and Environment Court has refused Iris Hotel Group’s Development Application which sought to extend alcohol trading hours at the Hunters Hill Hotel, saying it ‘would not respect, enhance or protect the amenity of residential areas in the vicinity’ and that ‘the site is not suitable for extended hours under any circumstances and is not in the public interest’. You can read the judgement and further details here: https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/59421671e4b058596cba79d5

admin2017-08-08T16:58:11+10:00June 27, 2017|

Inferior work in Boronia Park

3.5m road or ‘meandering trail’?

Council ‘improvements’

Does this road (left) look like a “meandering trail with low indigenous vegetation to sides” to you?

The Boronia Park Plan of Management was developed after exhaustive research, consultation and expense. It clearly states that the lower part of the existing Princes Street roadway be replaced so as ‘to allow for improved pedestrian amenity and experience, reducing road width to create 3m meandering trail and low indigenous vegetation to sides and improved swale to assist with storm water sediment control’ (Section 4.5.3 Passive Recreation Management Zone, No. 3.1, p45) Instead we have a 3.5m wide road.

Council’s work on the Looped Walking Track (right) doesn’t meet the intentions of the Plan either. It has produced inferior outcomes: trip hazards and unsuitable materials that have already washed away,

The poor standard of work Council is undertaking in Boronia Park is stunning. We are concerned that the intent of the Boronia Park Plan of Management is being ignored and future work may also be inferior. Further details of the problems and recommended solutions: Hunters Hill Trust letter to Council re BP Plan of Management

admin2017-06-15T12:47:36+10:00June 15, 2017|

To our departing President: didjurigura, merci, thanks mate

Tony Coote has been part of the Trust’s Executive Committee for 20 years, serving as President for 10 of those years. He has been an expert member of the Conservation Advisory Committee (CAP) at Council for 30 years. This represents thousands of hours of voluntary work protecting our built and natural environment for the common good.

We are indebted to him for his knowledge, candour, commitment and kindness.

Last night Tony stepped down from the role of President and passed the mantle to Alister Sharp. Fortunately for all of us, he will continue as Vice President and editor and producer of the Hunters Hill Trust Journal. He will also continue to be the Trust’s representative at CAP.

You can read Tony’s 2017 report in full here: The Hunters Hill Trust President’s Report.

admin2017-06-01T14:58:51+10:00May 31, 2017|

2017 Annual General Meeting

The AGM appointed a new Executive Committee for 2017-18:

President: Alister Sharp

Vice President: Tony Coote

Secretary: Brigid Dowsett

Treasurer: Justin Parry-Okeden

Committee: Gully Coote, Maureen Flowers, David Gaunt, Caroline Mackaness, Karen Presland.

AGM Talk: Researching the History of your House

Curaton family at Wybalena Source: Historic Houses Trust

Angela Phippen, Local Studies and Family History Librarian, Ryde Library gave a practical, detailed and fascinating presentation on the methods used to research house histories, including the use of free search tools including:

The Historical Lands Records Viewer

Sands Directories at the City of Sydney Archives

TROVE at the National Library of Australia

Angela Phippen was previously librarian at the Society of Australian Genealogists and has expertise in researching house histories. She has a range of resources and assists people to find out more about their house and its previous occupants. You can reach Angela at Ryde Library Local and Family History.

admin2017-05-31T22:48:40+10:00May 30, 2017|

High water mark in 2100

High tide in Hunters Hill in 2100 Source: coastalrisk.com.au

Coast Watch Australia predicts that the oval and tennis courts at Hunters Hill High School and much of Tarban Creek reserve will be under water at high tide in the not too distant future.

They also anticipate significant impacts along the foreshore of the Lane Cove River.

You can check their detailed forecasts for specific locations here.

admin2017-05-30T15:29:51+10:00May 29, 2017|

VERY late night alcohol in Hunters Hill

Hunters Hill Hotel continues its push for approval to serve alcohol until 2:00am.

NSW Police told the April 20th Land and Environment Court hearing that the proposed extended hours ‘should not be allowed’.

The evidence is clear that alcohol related harm escalates with very late trading. Council says ‘NO‘. The community says ‘NO‘.

The matter will be heard in the Land and Environment Court on 22nd May. Further information from Rachael Knapman 9334.8555

admin2017-05-22T15:46:40+10:00May 4, 2017|

Who gets to define ‘design excellence’ …

Q1. Who will determine whether the Gladesville Shopping Village development has ‘design excellence’ (so the developers can make it even bigger) ?

Phillipa Hayes, Senior Strategic Planner at Hunters Hill Council says it is yet to be determined, however it is envisioned a ‘design review panel will be used to provide advice to the consent authority’.

Q2. What will be the criteria for ‘design excellence’?

The Department of Planning specified the general criteria to be used for assessing design excellence in their letter to Council: “Condition 1(c.) includes the requirement for design excellence and as recommended by the Sydney North Planning Panel should address considerations for design excellence along the lines of Clause 6.4(12) of the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011.

admin2017-03-29T23:13:49+11:00March 28, 2017|

Greater Sydney Commission: HHT’s submission

Here is the Hunters Hill Trust’s submission to the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) commenting on the details of the Draft Plan for GSC’s North District.

This is a follow up to the Trust’s initial submission sent in October 2016.

admin2017-03-29T23:12:00+11:00March 28, 2017|

Gladesville Shopping Village: who gets to define ‘design excellence’ for this monster?

NSW Planning and Environment has set out the conditions that the developers must meet before Hunters Hill’s Local Environment Plan can be changed to allow their massive three tower development at Gladesville Shopping Village (GSV). It includes:

relocation of public open space
revised traffic impact assessments
overshadowing of Trim Place and 3-7 Cowell Street
relocation of the heritage property at 10 Cowell Street to a site owned by Council
consistency with the Greater Sydney Commission’s Draft North District Plan.

The Gateway Determination states that “if the development exhibits design excellence” the floor space ratio can be increased to 3.4:1 which would allow the developers to pack even more units onto the site.

But who will determine whether the development has ‘design excellence’ and what are the criteria for excellence?

admin2017-03-26T13:48:50+11:00March 21, 2017|

Preserving Our Heritage since 1968

The Hunters Hill Trust

The Hunters Hill Trust

Preserving Our Heritage since 1968