No we’re not talking bananas, we’re talking business centre zoning!
B1 = Neighbourhood Centre (reflecting a range of small retail, business and community uses).
B2 = Local Centre (reflecting a wider customer catchment base, in providing for a range of retail, business, entertainment and community uses).
Matraville could fall into either of these two zones – a large neighbourhood centre or a small local centre. We are the ONLY suburb in the Randwick Local Government Area to have to face this decision and community feedback is critical to the outcome. Four drop-in sessions have been programmed to ensure residents are well informed (click here for details). Deadline for submissions is 14 October, 2011.
Implications of either zone for Matraville
Height controls – these are NOT proposed to change with either zone . (The current controls were based on a detailed planning/design study done in 2005/06).
Permissiable land uses – while the majority of permissible land uses between the B1 and B2 zones are the same, the B2 zone allows for more land uses and development options given its stronger commercial base. Essentially, the key differences between the two zones are that the land uses identified below, are permissible with consent within the B2 zone:
- Amusement centres
- Educational establishments
- Exhibition homes
- Exhibition villages
- Helipads
- Hostels
- Recreation facilities (outdoor)
- Residential care facilities
- Residential flat buildings
- Restricted premises
- Sex service premises
- Tourist and visitor accommodation (includes backpackers’ accommodation, bed and breakfast accommodation, farm stay accommodation, hotel or motel accommodation and serviced apartments)
DAs lodged under the different zones will need to show that they meet the objectives for that zone. The Local Centre zone permis (subject to DA consent) the uses of backpacker accommodation and sex services premises (brothels) while the Neighbourhood zone prohibits these. In addtion it is proposed to include in the LEP a clause that will place stronger guidance for council to consider the suitability of DAs for sex services premises adjacent to residential zones, churches, schools or community facilities.
A B2 zone objectives place greater emphasis on employment opportunities, strengthening public transport and a high quality of urban design that helps achieve a sense of community. B1 centres are generally smaller centres of around 5 or more shops, such as Little Bay and Malabar, with Maroubra Beach, the Spot and Frenchmans Rd being the largest B1 centres.
For more information, click here to access the complete Business Centre Discussion Paper and the Residential Discussion Paper.
What do you think?
As stated above, Randwick City Council are asking for your comments and is open to Matraville Town Centre being zoned either B1 or B2. Email your preference and comments to matprecinct@gmail.com or add them to this post below for inclusion in the Precinct’s recommendation to Council.
18/05/2012 at 1:14 pm 
17/05/2012 at 10:53 pm 
29/04/2012 at 10:02 pm 
The objectives of the neighbourhood zone notes it provides for a range of small retail, business and community uses. The Local Centre zone permits (subject to DA consent) the uses of backpacker accommodation and sex services premises (brothels) while the Neighbourhood zone prohibits these. DAs lodged under the different zones will need to show that they meet the objectives for that zone. We need to protect our environment and ensure that we remain a Neighbourhood centre, Matraville is all about community and we want to keep it that way.
Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. It may be prudent to have a petition presented to Council objecting to B2. Maybe at Noels Pharmacy?
If I recall was not the proposed Town centre plan proposing a village style atmosphere for Matraville? Correct me if I am wrong. If so, then clearly the permitted uses pursuant to B2 are generally not in line with such thought.
I hope that us residents of Matraville will be heard in our disgust of the thought of having “brothels” in our area! These sorts of places always attract the wrong types of people and we have to protect our children. Matraville has it’s problems with vandalism and theft, so why would we want to encourage more trouble? Yes we need more shops, but we have to draw the line on “brothels”. The other concern I have is backpackers. Keep them in Bondi! Matraville is a family suburb and we take pride in our homes and our parks. Backpackers do not have the respect for the enviroment. When they are done, they just pack up and leave. And leave their rubbish behind.
So my vote is for a “B1″ zone.
Hope this information helps you B1 or B2
Hi all many of us were in support of Matraville Town Centre to be Zoned under proposed changes to B1 rather than B2. There has been some information provided to us to eases any concerns that we had regarding certain developments coming into our Matraville Town Centre. There is benefit in Both zoning changes Neighbourhood zone B1 and Local zone B2. Please read the below email and also log onto the Matraville webpage http://www.matraville.info and give us your thoughts as to what you think would be most suited to the Matraville Town Centre. I still in my mind believe that we are more protected under the B1 zone but with the changes that have been clarified below we should have an open mind and look at both options to work out what would be better for our future. The B2 zone could from what I have been informed attract more business and variety to the area under a local B2 zone change proposal. What are your views. Either way there is benifit under both zone proposals.
Email from council due to request made to clarify the difference between the 2 zones B1 Neighbourhood and B2 Local zones and also to raise the concerns about Brothels coming to the town centre. What are your views
Subject: Draft Comprehensive LEP – notes on Matraville centre
.;}
HI Carlos
As we discussed yesterday, the draft comprehensive LEP is being reported to Council next week, seeking for it to be publicly exhibited (anticipated to start in late Jan/early Feb). Following reporting last month on the discussion paper consultations, here’s a snapshot of the report’s LEP proposals for Matraville centre to assist you:
The Business Centres paper noted that Matraville centre is evolving and may be regarded as either a large neighbourhood centre (Zone B1) or a small local centre (Zone B2). Seven (7) submissions were received on this, with 4 supporting the B2 Local zone and 2 supporting a B1 Neighbourhood zone (and objecting to Zone B2), and 1 had general comments only. The main concerns were that the B2 zone permits sex service premises and backpackers accommodation, the importance of retaining a neighbourhood, family-orientated centre and building heights/scale.
With these issues in mind, the draft LEP is proposing the B2 – Local zone for Matraville centre, while making these changes:
•Prohibiting sex service premises in Matraville centre.
•Introducing a B2 zone objective requiring new development to specifically address potential impacts on nearby residential zones, and amenity for residents.
The B2 zone is considered more appropriate for Matraville centre as this zone has a greater focus on maximising urban design and design excellence, public transport patronage, and encouraging a range of business activity, to increase retail and business diversity and strengthen the economic base, all seen as important for Matraville centre. In contrast, the B1 – neighbourhood zone is being applied mostly to small clusters of shops (generally 5 or more).
Backpackers’ accommodation remains permissible (subject to DA consent), but is envisaged as unlikely as these are typically located in coastal areas or areas with diverse nightlife and entertainment.
It is important to note that every town centre is different, with heights/scale controls designed for its location and character. Hence, the B2 zoning does not mean Matraville will become more like other B2 centres like Maroubra Junction. The controls for Matraville were developed in 2006 via a major planning/design review, which looked at Matraville’s character and qualities, and recognises these in the resulting LEP/DCP as well as setting scale/height controls to achieve a desired future as an attractive shopping hub for the local community. There are no changes proposed to these 2006 controls in this draft LEP.
I hope this provides a useful summary for you
Hope this information helps you B1 or B2
Hi all many of us were in support of Matraville Town Centre to be Zoned under proposed changes to B1 rather than B2. There has been some information provided to us to eases any concerns that we had regarding certain developments coming into our Matraville Town Centre. There is benefit in Both zoning changes Neighbourhood zone B1 and Local zone B2. Please read the below email and also log onto the Matraville webpage http://www.matraville.info and give us your thoughts as to what you think would be most suited to the Matraville Town Centre. I still in my mind believe that we are more protected under the B1 zone but with the changes that have been clarified below we should have an open mind and look at both options to work out what would be better for our future. The B2 zone could from what I have been informed attract more business and variety to the area under a local B2 zone change proposal. What are your views. Either way there is benifit under both zone proposals.
Email from council due to request made to clarify the difference between the 2 zones B1 Neighbourhood and B2 Local zones and also to raise the concerns about Brothels coming to the town centre. What are your views
Subject: Draft Comprehensive LEP – notes on Matraville centre
.;}
HI Carlos
As we discussed yesterday, the draft comprehensive LEP is being reported to Council next week, seeking for it to be publicly exhibited (anticipated to start in late Jan/early Feb). Following reporting last month on the discussion paper consultations, here’s a snapshot of the report’s LEP proposals for Matraville centre to assist you:
The Business Centres paper noted that Matraville centre is evolving and may be regarded as either a large neighbourhood centre (Zone B1) or a small local centre (Zone B2). Seven (7) submissions were received on this, with 4 supporting the B2 Local zone and 2 supporting a B1 Neighbourhood zone (and objecting to Zone B2), and 1 had general comments only. The main concerns were that the B2 zone permits sex service premises and backpackers accommodation, the importance of retaining a neighbourhood, family-orientated centre and building heights/scale.
With these issues in mind, the draft LEP is proposing the B2 – Local zone for Matraville centre, while making these changes:
•Prohibiting sex service premises in Matraville centre.
•Introducing a B2 zone objective requiring new development to specifically address potential impacts on nearby residential zones, and amenity for residents.
The B2 zone is considered more appropriate for Matraville centre as this zone has a greater focus on maximising urban design and design excellence, public transport patronage, and encouraging a range of business activity, to increase retail and business diversity and strengthen the economic base, all seen as important for Matraville centre. In contrast, the B1 – neighbourhood zone is being applied mostly to small clusters of shops (generally 5 or more).
Backpackers’ accommodation remains permissible (subject to DA consent), but is envisaged as unlikely as these are typically located in coastal areas or areas with diverse nightlife and entertainment.
It is important to note that every town centre is different, with heights/scale controls designed for its location and character. Hence, the B2 zoning does not mean Matraville will become more like other B2 centres like Maroubra Junction. The controls for Matraville were developed in 2006 via a major planning/design review, which looked at Matraville’s character and qualities, and recognises these in the resulting LEP/DCP as well as setting scale/height controls to achieve a desired future as an attractive shopping hub for the local community. There are no changes proposed to these 2006 controls in this draft LEP.
I hope this provides a useful summary for you
Hope this information helps you B1 or B2
Hi all many of us were in support of Matraville Town Centre to be Zoned under proposed changes to B1 rather than B2. There has been some information provided to us to eases any concerns that we had regarding certain developments coming into our Matraville Town Centre. There is benefit in Both zoning changes Neighbourhood zone B1 and Local zone B2. Please read the below email and also log onto the Matraville webpage http://www.matraville.info and give us your thoughts as to what you think would be most suited to the Matraville Town Centre. I still in my mind believe that we are more protected under the B1 zone but with the changes that have been clarified below we should have an open mind and look at both options to work out what would be better for our future. The B2 zone could from what I have been informed attract more business and variety to the area under a local B2 zone change proposal. What are your views. Either way there is benifit under both zone proposals.
Email from council due to request made to clarify the difference between the 2 zones B1 Neighbourhood and B2 Local zones and also to raise the concerns about Brothels coming to the town centre. What are your views
Subject: Draft Comprehensive LEP – notes on Matraville centre
.;}
HI Carlos
As we discussed yesterday, the draft comprehensive LEP is being reported to Council next week, seeking for it to be publicly exhibited (anticipated to start in late Jan/early Feb). Following reporting last month on the discussion paper consultations, here’s a snapshot of the report’s LEP proposals for Matraville centre to assist you:
The Business Centres paper noted that Matraville centre is evolving and may be regarded as either a large neighbourhood centre (Zone B1) or a small local centre (Zone B2). Seven (7) submissions were received on this, with 4 supporting the B2 Local zone and 2 supporting a B1 Neighbourhood zone (and objecting to Zone B2), and 1 had general comments only. The main concerns were that the B2 zone permits sex service premises and backpackers accommodation, the importance of retaining a neighbourhood, family-orientated centre and building heights/scale.
With these issues in mind, the draft LEP is proposing the B2 – Local zone for Matraville centre, while making these changes:
•Prohibiting sex service premises in Matraville centre.
•Introducing a B2 zone objective requiring new development to specifically address potential impacts on nearby residential zones, and amenity for residents.
The B2 zone is considered more appropriate for Matraville centre as this zone has a greater focus on maximising urban design and design excellence, public transport patronage, and encouraging a range of business activity, to increase retail and business diversity and strengthen the economic base, all seen as important for Matraville centre. In contrast, the B1 – neighbourhood zone is being applied mostly to small clusters of shops (generally 5 or more).
Backpackers’ accommodation remains permissible (subject to DA consent), but is envisaged as unlikely as these are typically located in coastal areas or areas with diverse nightlife and entertainment.
It is important to note that every town centre is different, with heights/scale controls designed for its location and character. Hence, the B2 zoning does not mean Matraville will become more like other B2 centres like Maroubra Junction. The controls for Matraville were developed in 2006 via a major planning/design review, which looked at Matraville’s character and qualities, and recognises these in the resulting LEP/DCP as well as setting scale/height controls to achieve a desired future as an attractive shopping hub for the local community. There are no changes proposed to these 2006 controls in this draft LEP.
I hope this helps with information you requested about Both B1 and B2 Zones
Hi all many of us were in support of Matraville Town Centre to be Zoned under proposed changes to B1 rather than B2. There has been some information provided to us to eases any concerns that we had regarding certain developments coming into our Matraville Town Centre. There is benefit in Both zoning changes Neighbourhood zone B1 and Local zone B2. Please read the below email and also log onto the Matraville webpage http://www.matraville.info and give us your thoughts as to what you think would be most suited to the Matraville Town Centre. I still in my mind believe that we are more protected under the B1 zone but with the changes that have been clarified below we should have an open mind and look at both options to work out what would be better for our future. The B2 zone could from what I have been informed attract more business and variety to the area under a local B2 zone change proposal. What are your views. Either way there is benifit under both zone proposals.
Email from council due to request made to clarify the difference between the 2 zones B1 Neighbourhood and B2 Local zones and also to raise the concerns about Brothels coming to the town centre. What are your views
Subject: Draft Comprehensive LEP – notes on Matraville centre
HI Carlos
As we discussed yesterday, the draft comprehensive LEP is being reported to Council next week, seeking for it to be publicly exhibited (anticipated to start in late Jan/early Feb). Following reporting last month on the discussion paper consultations, here’s a snapshot of the report’s LEP proposals for Matraville centre to assist you:
The Business Centres paper noted that Matraville centre is evolving and may be regarded as either a large neighbourhood centre (Zone B1) or a small local centre (Zone B2). Seven (7) submissions were received on this, with 4 supporting the B2 Local zone and 2 supporting a B1 Neighbourhood zone (and objecting to Zone B2), and 1 had general comments only. The main concerns were that the B2 zone permits sex service premises and backpackers accommodation, the importance of retaining a neighbourhood, family-orientated centre and building heights/scale.
With these issues in mind, the draft LEP is proposing the B2 – Local zone for Matraville centre, while making these changes:
•Prohibiting sex service premises in Matraville centre.
•Introducing a B2 zone objective requiring new development to specifically address potential impacts on nearby residential zones, and amenity for residents.
The B2 zone is considered more appropriate for Matraville centre as this zone has a greater focus on maximising urban design and design excellence, public transport patronage, and encouraging a range of business activity, to increase retail and business diversity and strengthen the economic base, all seen as important for Matraville centre. In contrast, the B1 – neighbourhood zone is being applied mostly to small clusters of shops (generally 5 or more).
Backpackers’ accommodation remains permissible (subject to DA consent), but is envisaged as unlikely as these are typically located in coastal areas or areas with diverse nightlife and entertainment.
It is important to note that every town centre is different, with heights/scale controls designed for its location and character. Hence, the B2 zoning does not mean Matraville will become more like other B2 centres like Maroubra Junction. The controls for Matraville were developed in 2006 via a major planning/design review, which looked at Matraville’s character and qualities, and recognises these in the resulting LEP/DCP as well as setting scale/height controls to achieve a desired future as an attractive shopping hub for the local community. There are no changes proposed to these 2006 controls in this draft LEP.
I hope this provides a useful summary for you