Janet Mays

The May 15th BMCC meeting approved a Development Application (DA) in Goldsmith Place Katoomba, for a mixed residential and commercial development. The development will comprise of 60 units, above 14 commercial premises and basement parking.
Debate on the application was limited; with a move by one Councillor to defer the application until a ground water assessment was completed, being voted down. No ground water assessment has been carried out on the development site.

Of the 11 Councillors present at the meeting, 7 voted in favour of the DA.

Last week’s Council meeting was the first that I had heard of this large development which will dominate the entranceway to Katoomba. Surely a development of this significance would be accompanied by extensive community consultation before such an important decision was made?

I also question whether Katoomba needs more commercial premises given the high vacancy rates currently being experienced in Katoomba Street. And who are the intended occupants of the 60 x two and three bedroom units proposed for the site?

This development begs questions about its suitability, fit for the area and need. Just because a development meets Council LEP guidelines, it should not mean that it gets a green light. There is such a thing as whether or not a development is right, whether the Community truly wants and needs it and whether it will enhance the environment in which it is placed. Am I alone in this view?

Letter published in the Blue Mountains Gazette 6 June 2007