The draft Inner West Development Control Plan (DCP), which is currently on exhibition, proposes planning rules which would see the destruction of the Ruby Raisin building on the corner of Beach Rd and Constitution Rd, in Dulwich Hill.

This is a 1912 former corner shop, also known as the Hands Building. It is a much loved local landmark.

The draft DCP requires any new buildings at the site to be set back 3m from the Beach Rd boundary line, which is inviting a future developer to demolish the existing building and its facade.

A simple change to the draft DCP's planning rules would allow the beautiful facade to be retained, while still allowing the site to be developed to deliver additional housing. This has been done on other development sites in the Inner West, most notably to retain corner shop facades at the corner of Illawarra Rd and Warren Rd, Marrickville.

Support this common sense and considered change which would provide a win-win for housing, street level vibrancy and heritage, and allow us to blend the old with the new.

Find out more about the draft Inner West DCP here - https://yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/inner-west-development-control-plan