Those opposing the development highlight traffic concerns at the corner of Palla Street and Wyangan Avenue. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith Council has rejected a proposal to build a 21-unit housing development near the hospital, but the applicant is taking its decision to the Land and Environment Court in a bid to have it reversed.
Sydney-based solicitor Mark Secivanovic lodged a development application (DA) to demolish dwellings on 6 Wyangan Avenue and construct a single-storey co-living complex, comprising a mix of single and double units, a communal area and on-site manager.
“I’m not a developer, the only thing I’ve ever built before is my own house,” Mr Secivanovic told Region.
“My wife is of Italian background and has family in Griffith, we love it and visit often.”
He said while in town, he had heard horror stories of six to seven people having to sleep in the same room due to the rental crisis. He was also told of Griffith residents who had to travel two hours to Wagga for basic medical services due to staff shortages at the local hospital.
Mr Secivanovic said this motivated him to find a solution to both those problems – build a housing complex 200 metres from the hospital, which would help NSW Health attract skilled staff while also easing the rental crisis. The units would provide accommodation for young professionals, targeting nurses and medical practitioners who could walk to work.
However, the council received several objections to the DA, particularly from neighbours on the street who highlighted traffic concerns caused by the 21-unit development that only provided for nine allocated parking spaces.
“Palla Street and the near surrounding areas within the vicinity of 6 Wyangan Avenue is busy enough at peak times let alone during other hours,” nearby residents Glenys and Gordon Gaffey wrote.
“To add more traffic and multiple co-living spaces in a family-oriented peaceful living area is ridiculous.”
An artist’s impression of the proposed development. Photo: PTI Architecture.
Mr Secivanovic said these concerns were overblown.
“We’ve submitted two independent expert opinions on the traffic impacts, both have said they are negligible and don’t pose a risk,” he said.
“There’s plenty of parking in the area … a lot of people are going to be working at the hospital, so they’re not going to be driving. Some of them won’t have cars.”
A petition opposing the DA received more than 200 signatures.
Griffith Council staff recommended that the proposal be knocked back, arguing it posed an “unacceptable risk of traffic incidents”.
This was accepted by most councillors, who voted 7-1 to reject it. Only Cr Scott Groat backed the DA, saying the town’s housing crisis called for trade-offs.
“We need different types of accommodation, people have got to expect they’re going to get higher density housing next the hospital,” he said.
“If this was metropolitan, it wouldn’t be an issue. It’s only going to be 10 extra cars a few times a day.”
Christine Stead summed up the majority view.
“The community have spoken, there’s so many objections, there’s a whole range of issues,” she said.
Council decisions to reject a DA can be challenged in the NSW Land and Environment Court, which can decide whether to uphold or overturn the judgement.
Mr Secivanovic has filed for the matter to be challenged in the court and the case is due to be heard in September.
If you’d like to provide your view on this issue, call 0498843181 or email: [email protected]
