Residents and local businesses at the Kareela Shopping Centre scored a convincing victory in relation to the proposed alterations and extensions to the shopping centre.

Towards the middle of 2009 a Development Application (DA) was submitted to the Sutherland Shire Council for substantial alterations and additions to the shopping centre.  Among the proposed changes was an increase in the number of shops and, most importantly, a three-level, off-street car parking facility to accommodate vehicles visiting the shopping centre.  In addition, facilities were to be provided for a substantial loading and unloading dock.

The proposed development was considered to be an over-intensification of the existing uses, bringing with it a considerable volume of traffic that would have a severe impact on local residents.  Furthermore, the proposed development would change the character of the village atmosphere of the Kareela neighbourhood.

Brian Phillips provided both town planning and legal advice in relation to the proposal to local residents.  He assisted in the preparation of submissions to Council objecting to the proposed development.  The Council, after assessing the DA, made note of the volume and quality of submissions against the DA and formally refused a DA at a full Council meeting in November 2009.

The legal status of the Council’s refusal of the DA is that the developer can either seek a s82A Review of the Council’s decision or file a Class 1 Appeal in the Land and Environment Court.  Any such appeal must be filed within 12 months of the date of the refusal of the DA.  The developer can also submit a fresh DA for the Kareela Shopping Centre.

This website will be updated in the event any further information comes to our notice concerning future developments to the Kareela Shopping Centre.