THE decision to defer a development application to build a hospice facility in Bowral has been called unfair.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Moss Vale resident Tori Monro-King has had two different types of cancer and has no family in the Highlands. She was hopeful a 10-unit Hospice facility in Bowral would be developed.
In last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, the development was deferred to allow for a further review of the plans with the developer.
“It’s very unfair for those of us that need the hospice,” Ms King said.
“It’s an institution for people that are dying, what does heritage have to do with it?
“I can’t think of another council in Australia that would do this”
Councillor Graham McLaughlin moved the motion to defer the development and for an information session be held with the developer to discuss the plans and concerns raised by residents. Cr McLaughlin said one of the main objections was the difference between the most recent application put forward and the original proposal.
“I think we are looking for a smaller size building rather than an institution such as on this plan,” Cr McLaughlin said.
“It’s a great facility but we need to be mindful of what we are imposing on the residents and is that reasonable and is this the best option that we can get.”
Bowral resident Ken Macaulay Black spoke on behalf of the objectors and said the development posed car park, traffic and drainage problems.
“Our main overriding concern is that the bulk scale, height and institutional nature of the development proposed is completely at odds with the immediate residential neighbourhood and violates council’s intent to retain a predominantly R2 low density residential environment inside this conservation area,” Mr Black said.
“The development now threatens irreversible detrimental impacts for the heritage conservation area and this particular residential precinct.
“This hospice is something we need to get right and something that needs to fit.”
However, Mayor Duncan Gair spoke for the development and said it was a “suitable and acceptable” proposal.
“The site is adequate, the parking is adequate and the parking according to projected traffic flow is higher than required,” Cr Gair said.
In response to claims about different proposals, Southern Highlands Community Hospice deputy chairman Richard Bramham said the first development proposal was prepared by an architect in Bowral and the second was prepared by an architect chosen by the ERF Hospice Foundation.
“A specialist hospice is designed to meet the needs of terminally ill people and this is so important to them and their loved ones and our hospice will meet those needs,” Mr Bramham said.
“This is very different from what is available at palliative care wards in busy hospitals.”