A tranquil pocket in Paddington is at the centre of a heated dispute as a group of neighbours, led by a retired District Court judge and his wife, are contesting the proposed construction of a house, shop, cafe, and pool on a small 400-square metre block on Latrobe Terrace.
The group claims that the ambitious plans will encroach on their sunlight, breezes, and privacy whilst raising concerns over noise, light, odour, traffic, and visual amenity.
Located at 37 Latrobe Terrace, the site in question is currently home to a quintessential Paddington cottage originally built in 1910. The property is owned by Cynthia and Peter Werchon.
On 6 Oct 2023, the Council decided and approved Development Application A005832299 With this approval, the historic structure is set to undergo partial demolition and relocation to make way for a modern residence with an attached cafe and shop.
Neighbours Rally Against the Project
However, leading the charge against the redevelopment are retired District Court judge Michael Shanahan and his wife Ann Gummow, residents of Corsham Street, which backs onto Latrobe Terrace. Along with Peter Bertossi, Anne Bertossi, Gregory Moynihan and Jennifer Moynihan, they have lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court to halt the development. The appeal was filed on 11 Oct 2023.
Their main concerns revolve around the proposed structure’s size and its potential to disrupt their peaceful existence. In their objection to the Council, Shanahan and Gummow assert that the development, comprising a three-bedroom home, cafe, retail shop, and a pool, is excessively large for such a modest site.
The group argues that a larger allotment is needed to accommodate such an extensive project, expressing concerns about noise disturbances, which could reach the level of invading their bedrooms.
They also point out that despite receiving seven “properly made submissions” and 10 others considered “not properly made,” the Council approved the development. This decision triggered widespread discontent among the immediate community.
The appeal also raises concerns about the developer’s plans to manage stormwater using electric pumps beneath the house, a system that would be rendered ineffective during a blackout.
Voices of Opposition Grow Louder
The Moynihans, who reside on Corsham Street, have expressed concerns over the noise that would be generated by the proposed cafe’s rear deck.
Anne and Peter Bertossi, owners of a shop at 41 Latrobe Terrace, have “vehemently objected to the current proposal,” stating that the size, scale, and quantity of buildings planned for the relatively small and irregularly shaped site do not align with community expectations.
The proposed development includes:
- a two-storey house covering 156 square metres
- a cafe spanning 85 square metres
- a shop stretching 81 square metres
- a car turntable to compensate for the limited space available
As of press time, no defence has been filed and a hearing date has yet to be set.
Published 17-Oct-2023