Member for Keira Ryan Park says he is worried the redevelopment of Thirroul Plaza could threaten the "village amenity" of the beachside suburb, and cause more traffic problems than the developer estimates.
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The developer's plan, which would ad 82 apartments above a redeveloped shopping centre, has been sent back for more information by Wollongong City Council amid concerns the traffic and visual impact assessments were understated.
Mr Park, who is NSW Labor's shadow health minister, sent a submission to the council when the redevelopment plans were on display, saying he was concerned about the large number of dwellings and the likely impact on traffic.
"Traffic congestion on Lawrence Hargrave Drive is a significant concern to residents and motorists and this especially the case through the centre of Thirroul village," he wrote.
"As there are no viable alternatives to this route for local traffic, I am concerned that any increase in traffic on this stretch of the corridor will be detrimental to the community.
"The traffic study submitted as part of the development application in my opinion underestimates the number of car trips that could result, particularly at peak hour, from the addition of 82 residential apartments."
Mr Park also doubted whether the parking requirements forecast for the apartment blocks would be realistic, saying it "assumes a low rate of car ownership".
He said the low number of allocated parking spaces assumed rail improvements which have not happened.
"While this is an ideal objective, I am concerned it is premature given it precedes any real improvements to the South Coast rail line being delivered."
Development company Thirroul Plaza Pty Ltd is owned by Austinmer engineer Angelo Forte, Austinmer builder Mark Forte, and their investment partners.
The Mercury asked Thirroul Plaza Pty Ltd, through their Queensland-based spokeswoman, about Mr Park's concerns, and whether the traffic impact assessments, and visual impact assessments, would be re-done in light of Wollongong City Council and Transport for NSW concerns.
The Mercury also asked whether the development would be re-exhibited when the new information was in.
No response was received.
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