I have today issued a direction under Section 9.1 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 to the City of Sydney Council to prevent determination of any development applications for its Town Hall Square proposal until I receive and make public advice on its State Significance from the Independent Planning Commission (IPC).
The proposal, as it stands, would have significant impact on the commercial heart of Sydney's CBD, requiring the demolition of seven buildings and an expenditure of at least $150 million in ratepayer funds.
Consequently, it is appropriate that I exercise my powers as Minister under the Act to request timely advice from an independent body on the state and/or regional significance of the proposal.
Once received, the IPC's advice will be made publicly available alongside my decision as to whether the proposal should be declared a State Significant Development.
