A long-running feud between Whitebridge residents and SNL Building Constructions has reignited after it was revealed SNL had lodged a new development application.
The dispute reached an uneasy settlement in 2015 when the Joint Regional Planning Panel made SNL remove two top-floor apartments before approving construction, but a new development application has been lodged which could see Lake Macquarie Council effectively overturn the panel’s decision.
Secretary of the Whitebridge Community Alliance, Lynden Jacobi, labelled the application a ‘slap in the face’ to residents.
Residents opposed the development of Fettlers Whitebridge when it was first proposed in 2013, citing concerns about over-development of the area, traffic congestion and environmental damage.
Whitebridge Community Alliance member Len McCarthy believes the area is congested enough without the extra development, which he says is double the density of the suburb.
“It means that Whitebridge becomes a high-density area. It means the whole corridor along Dudley Road will be a high-density corridor, it’ll end up being lined by four-storey buildings with no public transport,” Mr McCarthy said.
“It’s just an insanity.”
Council has dismissed residents’ concerns, stating that SNL’s application process is entirely legal.
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Image Source: Fettlers Whitebridge https://www.fettlerswhitebridge.com/information/about-fettlers/ |