Proposed housing blocks at 23-27 Schofields Rd, Tallawong, rejected

A developer’s vision to build six apartment blocks with affordable and private dwellings in Sydney’s west has stirred up objections from locals and a council fearing it would create “undesirable” and “segregated” areas.

Artist’s impression of the proposed mixed use and affordable housing in Tallawong. Picture: NSW Government

A developer’s hope to construct six buildings for affordable housing in a western Sydney suburb faces fierce backlash from locals and Blacktown Council.

A state significant development application to turn an undeveloped plot of land filled with scattered vegetation and trees at 23-27 Schofields Rd, Tallawong, into six unit blocks, has recently closed its open exhibition to the public.

The exhibition allowed locals to express their thoughts on the proposal, which seeks to mix private dwellings and affordable housing, along with basement parking, neighbourhood shops, landscaping and a communal open space.

However, multiple letters of objection were sent with many outright rejecting the proposal or only the affordable housing part.

An aerial view of the proposed location. Picture: NSW Government

An anonymous resident blasted the proposal, stating “this is thievery”.

“This is out of imagination for all of us who are hard working citizens, who invested our hard earnings with high mortgages in Tallawong; seeing such a poorly planned proposal coming to our area and ruining our neighbourhood,” the resident stated.

Some of the houses around the proposed site. Picture: NSW Government

“This is after the fact that all the residents have moved in such well established suburb of Tallawong. Majority of the residents I have spoken to wouldn't have bought or invested their money if we knew about this crazy affordable housing construction!!”

Another unnamed resident stated their only issues were the “affordable housing and increased level of apartments” which would block their views.

Many pointed out the construction of the development would decrease their property values and – had they been made aware of the proposal – they would not have bought their houses.

It’s not just residents who have objected to the plan. Blacktown Council has also voiced its concerns.

One of the big issues it raised was the “unevenly distributed” affordable housing across the six buildings.

Aerial view of an artist impression of the proposed mixed use and affordable housing in Tallawong. Picture: NSW Government

It stated that three of the six buildings would not have any affordable housing, but one block would be all affordable dwellings. Another would only have 14.6 per cent affordable housing and another would be just 3.8 per cent.

“The proposal risks creating undesirable and segregated areas of the development,’’ the council stated.

“Instead, the provision of affordable rental housing should be evenly distributed throughout the development to promote social inclusion.’’

Other problems the council brought up with the proposal included drainage, environmental health, engineering, architectural and waste issues.

With the public exhibition closed, the developer the Trustee for the Schofields Square Unit Trust will now have a chance to respond to the objections.

Originally published as Proposed housing blocks at 23-27 Schofields Rd, Tallawong, rejected