DA/625/2018

This DA relates to a site on the corner of Oxford Street by the roundabout, in Epping. This has been retirement units run by the Uniting Church (known as Coombah) for many years and it is now proposed to demolish the existing buildings and build a 19 storey mixed used development.  You can read the details here. 

The proposed development is for 187 basement parking spaces,  83 bed aged care residence, and then floors of retirement living units (152 units). So, like the proposal for the OLHC site, this is essentially a residential development as anyone over 55 could live in the units. 

The Trust has some concerns about this DA;

•  At 60.7 m tall and 19 storeys, the tower is at least 4 storeys higher than the zoning allows. This is an excess height of 26.5%. 
• Whilst, unfortunately, there is precedent for excessively high towers nearby, this DA shows a huge block like structure taking up the entire site
• It does not form the step down option that would be much better visually on this corner, where it will face 3-5 storey existing apartment blocks
• Using the whole site means removal of three high value trees. The replacements in the plans are very poor alternatives. 
• The only quality outdoor communal space is in the form of a rooftop garden - rather than landscaped ground level open space
• There has been no wind tunnel testing done to see the impact of the block like design on the surrounding area
• This DA, again, ignores the cumulative effect of another 150+ cars entering onto Oxford Street and adding to traffic woes of this area

This DA will be determined by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel.

The Trust will be submitting its objections, but while it represents several hundred members, the Trust’s submission will count as a single objection. If you share our concerns, please submit your own objections to City of Parramatta Council. You can find email them at council@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au or post a submission to City of Parramatta, PO Box 32, Parramatta 2124. You need to include your name and address, and the DA number - DA/625/2018 in your submission. The closing date for Submissions is 4th October 2018. You need to clearly set out your concerns.