Plans to replace Harrington Park’s forest of trees with a sea of housing lots is set to bite the dust.
Camden Local Planning Panel, the expert body that determines rezoning applications, is recommending that the planning proposal be given the flick.
It follows a vigorous campaign by local residents since late last year to stop the rezoning bid for the site, located near the Camden Valley Way entry to the famous housing estate, pictured above.
Camden Council is expected to formally vote on the application in April, but it is highly unlikely to contradict a recommendation from the planning panel.
The panel inspected the subject site – 5 Towra and 5, 7, 9 Davy Court, Harrington Park – and considered the draft planning proposal and council officers’ report before making its recommendation.
It says there would be a negative visual impact on the entrance to Harrington Park if rezoning received a green light.
Also, says the panel, the proposal is inconsistent with the original planning intent for the subject site to provide a tree corridor – and would negatively impact local character.
On top of that, the council officers’ report points out there is sufficient planning capacity within the South West Growth Area to meet Camden LGA’s housing targets without the additional 44 residential lots the proposal would facilitate.
“The proposal would not contribute to housing affordability and diversity within the Camden LGA and it is inconsistent with several region, district and local strategic objectives which aim to increase tree canopy coverage and protect and enhance biodiversity.’’
The recommendation is a victory for residents who set up Keep Harrington Park Green, a social media page, as part of their campaign against the rezoning proposal.
Is there no limit to the greed of developers. I am sure if Lady Fairfax was alive she would not approve such a proposal as she always indicated she wanted Harrington Park to be a home for people who appreciated the quality of its environment
Thank goodness for Harrington Park residents for fighting to keep the area green, it’s lovely driving through that avenue of trees, very inviting every time, keep out Developers.
Hallelujah, hopefully Camden Council votes to keep this space the way it was intended to remain! A win for the local wildlife, a win for the residents of this suburb and their house prices, and a win for Macarthur ! Super important to keep green spaces now more than ever before. Gratitude to those who fought this good fight.