Hello,

It looks like the spectre of this tower looming over Neutral Bay and the loss of the six single storey Bydown Terraces is becoming closer to reality.

On Friday the decision of the North Sydney Planning Panel was released. The Panel chose not to accept NSC recommendations to add these terraces as heritage items. The reasoning was there are other good examples of terraces within the Local Government Area.  Planning Panel Decision

I cannot express how disappointing it is to hear that Neutral Bay's heritage is being dismissed because of good examples elsewhere. While I appreciate Euroka St, North Sydney and it's strong connection with Henry Lawson that isn't the history of Neutral Bay, a mature, vibrant society should have room for each. Once these terraces are gone, they are gone! These are Neutral Bay's Heritage

This is similar to how the Warringah Freeway Upgrade has taken thousands of trees from Cammeray and Neutral Bay and is replacing them at .... Balls Head, Waverton!  Neutral Bay is slowly being stripped of the the things we value, only to be told drive nearby to see similar.

While the community and Neutral Precinct has been trying to save Bydown Terraces for seven years now, we are fast approaching the business end. There are two more opportunities to save them.

On this Thursday, the 19th at 09.30 there will be a Land & Environment Court Meeting outside 27-37 Bydown St. where the developer is objecting to the Interim Heritage Order. While we cannot speak at this meeting a resident presence at this meeting shows physically the community interest in saving these terraces to the Commissioner. If you can spare half an hour or so, this would be appreciated.

On Monday, 13th April at 19.00 there will be a Council meeting which will discuss whether to recommend the terraces for a Permanent Heritage order. Usually Council will follow the guide of the Planning Panel, but NSC has a long history of wanting to save the remaining heritage items. Also every Councillor has stated that they personally value our Heritage. So there is a chance they will vote to recommend the Bydown Terraces for Permanent Heritage. I and others will speak at this meeting.

I want to be upfront that the chances of success are low, you may be backing a losing team. That said, the consequences of not trying are far worse, we will definitely lose these beautiful terraces for ever which are part of Neutral Bay's history and add so much to it's amenity.

Thank you for your support this far, it has been invaluable.

Glen