RESIDENTS are claiming victory after the $43 million redevelopment of historic Bidura House was knocked back by the Land and Environment Court.
Property developers wanted to build two apartment blocks – up to eight storeys – behind the 160-year-old former home of celebrated colonial architect Edmund Blacket at Glebe.
But an appeal to the court by Vision Land Pty Ltd to overturn the City of Sydney’s rejection of a development application for the 5500sq m property on Glebe Point Rd, now used as a NSW Children’s Court, failed.
The developer also wanted to build 10 two-storey terrace houses and demolish a five storey concrete block at the rear of the site.
The developers bought the property from the State Government for $33 million in 2014. They wanted to build close to 86 dwellings and parking for 100 cars.
The court’s Commissioner Annelise Tuor said the “West Tower will result in unacceptable impacts on views of the Bidura House”.
The court also found the unit blocks would overshadow the outdoor areas of properties in Ferry Rd.
Hands Off Glebe spokesman Denis Doherty said Bidura’s neighbours and the Glebe community are thrilled with the result.
A City of Sydney spokesman said it opposed the DA for several reasons.
The council received a petition against the redevelopment, signed by more than 1500 people.
Balmain state Greens MP Jamie Parker said the judgement was a victory for those who wanted to keep properties of historical significance in public hands.
“Our community needs childcare centres and community facilities, not more residential apartment towers,” Mr Parker said.
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