A Sydney council has approved a plan to turn a waterfront park into a road so that a property developer can reach a four-car garage planned for under his new home.
The development application was lodged by the wife of the head of Omaya Holding, Antoine Bechara, and proposed to build a road through Marmion Lane in Abbotsford.
The area was turfed and blocked to cars more than 20 years ago and is zoned for public recreation. Local residents objected, saying the area was used for dog walking and gave them access to the Parramatta River foreshore. Nevertheless, Canada Bay Council has approved the construction of the road.
The Bechara application originally requested a private driveway however, on advice from council, this was changed to be a public road. However, the road could only be used for access to the Bechara home and to drop passengers or equipment at the foreshore, residents have complained, because there is no parking.
The road will be built by council, however it will be paid for by Mrs Bechara.
