In a decision handed down on Tuesday 19 July, the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales has rejected plans for an expansion of the Gladesville Bridge Marina.
The Court ruled against the plans stating that the development would create a ‘visual intrusion’ and interfere with the public’s use and enjoyment of the waterway, among other issues.
Since the plans were first raised in 2018, residents, Council representatives, Members of Parliament and local business owners have come together in opposition to the proposal. In the years since, close to 2,000 community members have also signed a petition opposing the development.
In June 2021, Council staff recommended refusal of the development application to the Sydney Eastern Planning Panel, which concurred with this recommendation and ruled against the proposal.
The private landowner then appealed this decision, leading to a second bid at the Land and Environment Court, who yesterday dismissed the appeal.
They stated that the proposal was at odds with the aims of the State Environmental Planning Policy in “protecting, enhancing and maintaining the foreshores and waterways of Sydney Harbour as an outstanding natural and public asset for existing and future generations”.