Residents living opposite the Lone Hill Shopping Centre have raised concerns following a meeting with the centre’s management on April 16 about ongoing upgrades to a rooftop delivery and access area.
The meeting, attended by Ward 94 councillor David Foley, brought together residents, the centre’s management, and the project team to address complaints about the construction.

Angela Wood, who lives directly opposite the structure, said her concerns centre on both privacy and process. “We’ve objected to the structure that’s going up, impinging on our privacy and not being consulted, and we’re querying whether the correct town planning procedures have been followed.”

Read more: Councillor gets face-to-face with residents at Lonehill Shopping Centre

She added that residents were not informed beforehand. “There’s been no public participation, no notice. We already have an agreement dating back a decade that nothing would overlook our properties or exceed a certain height.”

Residents also raised concerns about the visual impact and potential loss of sunlight. “It’s going to be an eyesore, and block out the morning sun in half my garden.”

While commenting on the outcome of the meeting, she said residents felt their concerns were not fully understood. “The impression was that the people we were meeting with didn’t know the history, and were trying to railroad us into accepting something that should have been discussed.”

Mall management and the project team acknowledged the concerns, and said they would investigate whether proper public consultation processes were followed, with feedback to be provided.

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They explained that the work forms part of maintenance and upgrades to a rooftop delivery and access area, used by trucks for loading and deliveries, and as an entry point into the centre.

The area sits above retail shops, many of which have been affected by persistent roof leaks, particularly during the rainy season. “This is why we are having these upgrades, to prevent these leaks for our tenants,” said centre management.

Foley said he understands the residents’ frustrations and is happy that a meeting occurred to explore other alternatives, so there can be a solution, but, for now, residents say they are waiting for clarity and meaningful engagement.

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