Council applauds subdivision refusal

There was strong public opposition to the application, with 124 submissions received and a petition signed by 48 people.

It was refused because it would have had significant impact on biodiversity and habitat in the area, and was not deemed to be in the public interest.

Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock was among those who spoke against the application at last night’s meeting.

“We are very pleased the panel has listened to the community and made the decision that it has,” Mayor Ruddock said.

“This was not a matter of people saying, ‘Not in my backyard.’ The many reasons for this refusal were varied and highly convincing.

“There were half a dozen plans and strategies it did not comply with, including the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan and the Hornsby Development Control Plan.

“The negative impacts would have included a significant threat to local waterways, harm to the wildlife corridor on the site and the destruction of native trees.

“An independent assessment concluded that it should not be approved, as did Council’s staff.

“This is a clear sign that the Local Planning Panel is operating in the best interests of our community.”