A development proposal for 3,286 new houses and flats in Edmondson Park – up from 440 currently – has come under fire from a local MP and local residents.
The state member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong, says if approved it will completely change the suburb.
“This almost eight-fold increase in dwellings is totally out of control and typical of the Liberal Government’s unfair planning agenda,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“It goes completely against my Stop the Squeeze campaign, which highlighted residents’ concerns and angst about overdevelopment in our suburbs.
“Lack of infrastructure, inadequate commuter carparking, unreliable train services, absence of new schools, general overcrowding, traffic congestion and threats to our vital green open space are issues people in my electorate deal with on a daily basis.
“Yet here comes a proposal from the Liberal Government’s property developer Landcom that is set to create an explosion in density and high rises in Edmondson Park.
“People deserve better than living in shoeboxes and squashed in like sardines. More urban splatter is not what people want and it’s not conducive to a healthy living environment.’’
In response, a Landcom spokesperson said the new proposal responds to changes in market preferences and would “provide a range of housing types at different price-points to allow people with different income levels to purchase a home in Edmondson Park’’.
“The Town Centre North is within 700m walking distance of the train station. Most residents within the Edmondson Park Town Centre North site are likely to walk or cycle to the train station,’’ the spokesperson said.
“Cycleways, bicycle parking and footpaths will be provided to reduce reliance on cars. Car parking will be provided for residents, visitors and employees of the Edmondson Park Town Centre North site.
“Additionally, Landcom is bringing forward the construction of an extension of Buchan Avenue, which will provide direct access from Edmondson Park Train Station to homes to the north of the station.
“The new road will include a pedestrian footpath and cycle lane to provide residents with an alternate means of transport to the station.
“Development applications have been lodged with Liverpool City Council to commence earthworks and civil works. Subject to council approvals, construction will start early next year and finish in late 2019/early 2020.
“Work is under way on a $76 million upgrade of Campbelltown Road, between East Town Centre Road and the new MacDonald Road at Bardia to widen the road from two to four lanes. Landcom has contributed $22 million to the upgrade.
“The proposed modification to the Concept Plan includes around five hectares of open space. Landcom will deliver 150 hectares of regional open space within Edmondson Park,’’ the spokesperson said.
“Fifty hectares has been transferred to National Parks and Wildlife Services and is open to the public. In addition, local parks will include playground facilities and picnic facilities.
“The recently completed Clermont Park is a one hectare park with a children’s playground, landscaping and barbecue facilities.
“Landcom will continue to work with Liverpool City Council to ensure that social infrastructure is delivered to meet the demands of Edmondson Park and the surrounding community.
“Landcom is also working with the Department of Education to determine the land needed for future schools.’’
Mr Chanthivong has called on community members to have a say on the proposals, currently on public exhibition until December 4.
“Every submission will help strengthen the campaign against overdevelopment in our area,’’ he said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It’s important to speak up now before it’s too late.”[/social_quote]
In addition to increasing approved dwellings from 440 to 3,286, Landcom’s proposed changes to its Edmondson Park Town Centre Concept Plan include:
- Inclusion of high-rise apartments;
- Increasing height limits from 24 metres to 37 metres (8 storeys to 12 storeys);
- Reducing the size of the land set aside for a primary and high school.
Information on the proposed development and how to make a submission can be found at http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=8607
