Inner city residents applauded the Land and Environment Court’s decision to uphold the City of Sydney’s decision to reject the building of two 6-storey apartment blocks overshadowing St John’s Church in Darlinghurst. The community group, Save Our St John’s (Darlinghurst) welcomed the court’s decision, delivered on 22 December, to protect the 150 year old landmark church and grounds.

In dismissing the developer’s appeal, the Court confirmed the merit of the Sydney City Council’s unanimous decision to protect architect Edmund Blacket’s intact gothic-revival church which is listed on the National Estate.

The Court refused the application because the development had an unacceptable impact on the heritage significance of the church and rectory, was incompatible with the scale and design of the church and spoilt the heritage streetscape. The Court also considered that the application provided inadequate details.

“ It was apparent to us from the start that the Anglican Church went into this venture ill-advised,” said Save Our St John’s (SOSJ) co-convenors Jo Holder and Norman Thompson.

“ SOSJ calls on St Johns Church to immediately terminate the agreement with the developer Harrington Properties and to engage in a review of its position. While we recognize and support the Church’s important role in the community, we hope that they now might show a greater willingness to listen to the concerns of the local residents,” Jo Holder and Norman Thompson said.

Documents tendered at the Land & Environment Court hearing questioned the value of the proposed two large buildings for the ongoing programs the St John’s Church wants to fund.

“ A report by Sydney City Council concluded that the ‘major problem with the proposal is that the development would not provide the Church with a secure long term renewable income stream to fund the ministry and conservation of the historic buildings’,” Jo Holder and Norman Thompson said.

“ SOSJ believes that the church’s work with the homeless and other less fortunate people is important. However, the building of two luxury apartments blocks will only serve to alienate the underprivileged even more, and force them from the area.”

More information contact: SOSJ CO-CONVENORS
Jo Holder, 9331 6621 & Norman Thompson, 0419 296 144
To read the decision go to http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lec
Then click on Judgments and finally on Most Recent Decisions