Australex Group Pty Ltd v Fairfield City Council
[2021] NSWLEC 1772
At a glance
Source factsCourt
Land and Environment Court (NSW)
Decision date
2021-03-25
Source
Original judgment source is linked above.
Judgment (42 paragraphs)
Introduction
- These proceedings are an appeal pursuant to s 8.7(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) against the deemed refusal by Fairfield City Council of Development Application No. 515.1/2019 (DA) for a Torrens Title subdivision of one into two lots, and the construction of a dwelling house with a swimming pool, engineering and landscaping works (proposed development) on Lot 8 DP 240509 located at 60-64 Jamieson Close, Horsley Park (site).
The site and its context
- The site is located on the northern side of Jamieson Close at Horsley Park. It is irregular in shape and has a total area of 2.02 hectares. The topography maintains a downward slope from the western boundary of the site to the eastern boundary, a fall of approximately 12.9 metres.
- The surrounding area is characterised by large allotments within a semi-rural context. There is an existing two-storey dwelling at the frontage of the site and the proposal is to subdivide the block into two lots to accommodate a new dwelling at the rear of the site. Relevantly, the rear boundary adjoins the entrance driveway to the Horsley Complex.
- The Horsley Complex (homestead, driveway and gardens) is listed as an item of environmental heritage on the State Heritage Register and pursuant to Sch 5 of the Fairfield Local Environmental Plan 2013 (FLEP 2013). Although not visible from Jamieson Close, the heritage homestead is positioned at the height of the topography and the impact of the new development on the visually prominent entrance driveway to the Horsley Complex, lined by mature Bunya Pine trees, was a particular focus in the proceedings.