Current Development Applications of Concern
43 - 47 Harrow Road, Auburn
Suburb: Auburn
Address: 43 - 47 Harrow Rd

Application No: DA 380/09 (amended plans Oct 2009)
Status: Approved 'Deferred commencement' Council meeting 20th January, 2010
Description: demolition of dwellings on site, including Auburn LEP heritage listed (former) Auburn Fire Station. Construction of 3 storey mosque above 2 levels of basement car parking and including library and youth/cultural centre

Voted for deferred commencement: Cr Zraika (Labor); Crs Oueik and Attie (Liberal), Cr Au (Unity); Clr Michels (Greens) and Clrs Lam and Anmak (Independent)
Voted against : Cr Simms (RAGAA), Crs Curtin and DiPaolo (Labor)
Our concerns include: Reasons for refusal (as moved by Clr Simms in Council meeting of 18/11/09): That Council refuse the application due to:
1.failure of the applicant to give due regard to the heritage significance of the former Auburn Fire Station 2.failure of the applicant to comply with Council's resolution of 1 April, 2009, to retain the front facade of the former Auburn fire station, as amended plans submitted on October 30th, 2009, do not retain the facade
3.significant parking shortfall, particularly given the proximity of the site to the Auburn town centre and Auburn public school
4.safety issues with access & egress of the site, particularly due to the non-separation of exit and entry points
5.inconsistency with clause 14 of the Auburn LEP in respect to a)scale, bulk & height, c)traffic generation & car parking, d)noise, e)privacy, f)stormwater drainage, g)hours of operation and h)overshadowing
6.that because of the loss of a significant local heritage item if the Auburn fire station is demolished, and because of the numerous non-compliances, especially with clause 14 of the Auburn LEP, approval of the application is not in the public interest

Background: The application was first considered by Council on March 18th, 2009. On the meeting of 1st April, 2009, Council resolved (not unanimously) to allow, in principle, the demolition of the former fire station, providing the front facade was incorporated into the new building. New plans were submitted at the April 1st meeting, showing that this was what was now proposed. On October 30th, 2 weeks prior to the Council meeting at which the Development Application itself was considered, the applicant submitted amended plans which now, in fact, included the complete demolition of the entire structure. The major issue for RAGAA is the loss of yet another significant historic Auburn building. The question has to be asked why Auburn has a heritage listing if it has no intention of trying to preserve our 'history' for future generations.
The former Heritage Auburn Fire Station - January 2010.

The former Heritage Auburn Fire Station - January 2010
An interior view of the old Fire Station - January 2010

An interior view of the old Fire Station
More of the site with a view of the old Pegler's Bakery in the rear.

More of the site with a view of the old Pegler's Bakery in the rear
Further views of the Mosque site as it appeared January 2010.

Further views of the Mosque site as it appeared January 2010
Further views of the Mosque site as it appeared January 2010

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT US?
If you would like to know more about the Residents’ Action Group for Auburn Area,
Our mailing address is : PO Box 273, Lidcombe, NSW 1825.

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