Bellevue Hill refuge approved in principle as Scots College parking curbs face investigation

A pedestrian refuge with kerb extensions at Cranbrook Road and Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill, has been approved in principle, while Woollahra Council investigates parking restrictions across streets near Scots College.

The council’s resolution also notes that Development Application No. 390/2019/1 requires the applicant to develop, fund and implement local area traffic-management measures addressing safety and efficiency, to the satisfaction of Council’s Engineering Services Department.

Council resolved that no action be taken before the development consent expires on 12 April 2028, or when physical commencement has occurred, whichever is sooner. A detailed design, along with community consultation feedback, will be presented to a future Local Transport Forum meeting.

Staff will investigate whether restrictions similar to those in the Aston Gardens parking restrictions trial should apply, in part or in full, to Cranbrook Lane, Cranbrook Road, Carrington Avenue, Ginahgulla Road, Victoria Road, Kambala Road, Sheldon Place, Rupertswood Avenue and Drumalbyn Road.

The investigation is aimed at encouraging Scots College staff and students to use alternative transport, or the college to provide off-street parking. It will also examine whether parking permits can be restricted to residents of rateable properties, or to people who elect to pay rates on or near the affected streets.

Any restrictions would require consultation with residents before implementation. General Manager Craig Swift-McNair will also write to Scots College headmaster Dr Ian Lambert about the investigation and ask what strategies or actions the school is taking to reduce the parking burden on local roads.

The motion passed 12-0. Mayor Sarah Dixson left the item after declaring a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest because her brothers attended Scots College, and a significant, non-pecuniary interest because her mother owns a property on Victoria Road. She did not participate in debate or vote. Deputy Mayor Sean Carmichael chaired the item. Mayor Dixson returned and resumed the chair at 7:53pm.