Lets just get on with it!

Isn’t it wonderful to see transparent and accountable local government processes at work! 

During May, starting with a committee meeting on Tuesday 10^th May and then a full council meeting later in May, the City of Nedlands will consider the recommendations regarding the developer’s Outline Development Plan (ODP) for the Old Swanbourne Hospital  (OSH).  Readers may recall that the WA Planning Commission recently approved the developer's revised ODP for advertising by the City in order to obtain public feedback. 

The City has now assessed the submissions made during the recent public consultation period ( 8 March to 29 March). 

It's worthwhile downloading the City’s reports (look under "reports" for the May 2011 link) that will be considered by the City of Nedlands committee and reading them carefully.  Among other information there is a very useful detailed chronology of all the events that have transpired with the Old Swanbourne Hospital over recent years.

If you are short of time here is my summary. 

Profile of Public Submissions

There were 157 submissions, of which the majority of 84 (54%) had no objection to the revised ODP. 

There were a further 10 submissions with no objection subject to various provisos, and a further 58 submissions objecting to the ODP.  Finally there were 5 more submissions expressing various views but neither supporting or objecting .  

You  can see my position in my earlier post .   

The City officers have summarised the public submissions in some detail. 

Concerns or views were expressed about the amount of public open space, the public access and view corridors across the site and the preservation of the heritage buildings, preserving trees on site and height of the development. 

There was also support for some of the community agreed 2005 plan elements such as not allowing access to and across the site by vehicles entering from St John’s Wood Boulevard.

Recommendations to the City of Nedlands

In its response to the submissions, the City officers have made a recommendation that the City approve the ODP subject to conditions that reflect the public input and which also seek to maintain consistency with the City of Nedlands Town Planning Scheme No. 2 (which contains the planning parameters agreed through the 2005 and 2006 community consultation process and endorsed by the Heritage Council of WA). 

I have copied the recommendations in full below.

I think the City officers have done a great job in capturing the views and concerns expressed through the public submissions, and I support the recommendations they have put forward. 

Let’s hope the City Councilors support their officers and continue to maintain the integrity and transparency of the community consultation process conducted prior to the sale of the property to the current owner.

Mt Claremont People want to see the beautiful heritage buildings in the heart of our community used and loved in the way we agreed  – let’s get on with it!