HousingNSW intends to construct a staged 3 storey residential flat building complex containing 106 apartments over basement car parking. This is despite the fact that Council has zoned this land for single dwelling residential homes. Lodged on 2 July 2010, estimated to cost over $6m, this proposal is being assessed by the previous NSW Government’s Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) instead of Parramatta City Council because it is worth more than $5m. The JRPP comprise 5 members, of which 3 are NSW State Government appointed, and 2 are council nominees.

On 11 October 2010, former Deputy Lord Mayor Clr Chiang Lim presented petitions on behalf of local residents confirming significant opposition against this HousingNSW proposal. Parramatta City Councillors unanimously agreed to erect an “Unsupported Development – brought by the State Government” sign in front of the development site.

Even though Parramatta City Councillors had no vote, the NSW state laws governing the JRPP imposes on the local councils’ staff to independently provide planning assessment and subsequently planning recommendations for the JRPP for their final determination.

At the time of writing, it is anticipated that the recommendation for approval is based on an incorrect interpretation of the planning rules that allow an “upzoning” to the scale of the neighbours of the predominant side. Hence, the misinterpretation stems from the northern side of Albert Street being thought of as the dominant boundary where they have 3 storey residences. However, the dominant boundary is actually along O’Connell Street where the neighbours are all single dwelling homes. Moreover, the other two boundaries on its south and west are also not 3 storey residences.

“Just because you could, doesn’t mean you should,” said Clr Lim. The Joint Regional Planning Panel should take into consideration that the incorrect interpretation being used to support the approval of this development proposal from HousingNSW.

However, from a social good perspective, it should be asked if putting 106 individuals, couples or families in this location is a good outcome? About 5 or 10 metres away, there is a government methadone clinic as well as Hope Hostel which is a centre for emergency accommodation for those homeless and displaced.

“The nearby methadone clinic and Hope Hostel are trying hard to assist people away from drug dependencies, crime, and/or dislocation. They do not always work, given that there have been incidences of drug distribution, exposed used syringes and petty crime experienced by the existing local residents of Albert Street. So why would HousingNSW want to expose 106 more individuals, couples and families to this experience,” asked Clr Lim.

In parallel to the planning consideration by the Joint Regional Planning Panel, Clr Lim has also sent an urgent letter to the new Minister for Housing Strategy and the new NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell MP seeking their direct intervention in this matter. “The new NSW Coalition Government can immediately and indefinitely suspend the development proposal from progressing, given that HousingNSW is a government agency,” said Clr Lim.

The next JRPP meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, 31 March 2011.

REFERENCES:

(1) Copy of HousingNSW's proposal/overview (5.3Mb)

(2) Copy of HousingNSW's detailed plans (16.2Mb)

(3) Copy of petition from local residents

(4) Copy of letter to the new Minister for Housing Strategy and the new NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell MP

(5) Copy of "Unsupported Development - Brought to you by the State Government" sign