Premier's design issues take low priority

This Year of the Built Environment seems a relevant time to voice dismay at the escalating "rape" occurring in some of the low-rise residential streets on the Peninsula.

It is being carried out under the Council's current policies for subdivision and medium density housing. Such typical (usually two-storey) infill development intrudes on the scale and character of existing streetscapes, impacts on privacy, sunlight and the existing vegetation.

In most instances it is about maximising plot ratios for minimum cost and maximum profit rather than good design, appropriateness for the location or quality of lifestyle.

Issues that need to be addressed in our Built Environment have been well publicised by the Premier of NSW and others.

In spite of well-intentioned policy objectives, when other criteria relating to building limits have the potential to take priority in the decision making process, incompatibility and mediocrity will continue to affect the Built Environment.

It is not enough that an application for development is seen to comply with regulatory criteria.

So long as the system allows, these policies will continue to be exploited.

Who then, are the real custodians of our Built Environment?

Doreen King, Ettalong Beach