July 2009

• In January 2008, The Gaff lodged a development application (D/2008/57) to expand its ground floor into the neighbouring premises and increase capacity by 60%.
• It was refused by Council in March 2008
• That decision was upheld by Council’s Small Permits Appeal Panel in August 2008
• The Gaff is now appealing in the Land & Environment Court
• The appeal will be heard from 25th to 27th August
• 65 people lodged submissions opposing the application through our website last year, and many more made individual submissions to Council
• If you were one of those who made a submission, you should have already received a letter from Council advising you of the appeal

It’s important that all residents and businesses affected by The Gaff’s operations present a strong case to the court.

You’ll be able to address the court on-site at 9.30 am on the 25th August.

What you need to do now:

• Let Louise Byrne, Council’s Senior Solicitor handling the matter, know that you wish to attend the hearing
  • Email her at lbyrne@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
  • Include a short list of dot points summarising your major concerns with the club’s application
• Attend the meeting Louise will organise to explain the court’s procedures on the day. We’ll send an email reminder when the date’s set for that
• Make time to attend the first part of the hearing on the morning of 25th August
• Let your neighbours know what’s happening and encourage them to be involved. It doesn’t matter if they didn’t make earlier submissions. If they’re impacted, it’s important to let the court know

Background information:
Development Application Assessment (Planners report) – March 2008