Concern about expansion ‘by stealth’
Stella Maris plans to demolish two houses adjacent to the college and place a single-storey demountable in a residential street if Northern Beaches Council approves a change of use for educational purposes at the site.
The demountable, to be located at 48 and 50 Eurobin Avenue, will have eight ‘learning areas’ to house students while the school builds a new creative arts centre on campus.
The development application (DA) is facing fierce opposition from residents who say the school is encroaching into the suburb ‘by stealth’.
The school has already foreshadowed a ‘master plan’ to turn the new school site at 48 and 50 Eurobin Avenue into a hub for senior students and car parks.
Under state planning laws the land, currently zoned residential, can be temporarily used for educational purposes.
However, residents want a time restriction put on the change of use, as they worry the school will build more permanent and taller structures there – as forecast in the master plan – without putting in a rezoning application.
Nearby resident Felicity Weaver said the state laws effectively provided schools a loophole to avoid council planning regulations.
“I can understand the need for schools to expand, but Council needs to decide what’s appropriate (and) should be the ones that are in control of creating communities.”
Ms Weaver is also concerned the school was removing properties from the housing market.
“They are taking away a very limited amount of properties in Manly. There is no free land to build houses. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
“It’s inappropriate to expand in a
residential area which is lovely and unique. I’m disappointed that the school is doing expansion by stealth.”
A college spokesperson said the DA was part of the school’s ‘first serious facilities upgrade’ in six years and would take place over the next 10 to 15 years.
“When ready, we will consult widely and extensively to achieve the best outcome for the college, our neighbours and the community. And at that time, all necessary approvals will be sought.”
Council is yet to complete an assessment on the DA, which has received around 20 submissions.