Backlash over boarding house ‘overdevelopment’ in Kings Park

A  PROPOSAL to build a boarding house in Kings Park has created uproar in the community.

An artist’s impression of the boarding house for 59 Cobham Street, Kings Park, causes backlash in the community.

A  PROPOSAL to build a boarding house in Kings Park has created uproar in the community.

A petition on change.org to stop the development of 59 Cobham St had garnered 212 signatures by Monday after it was started on Thursday.

The proposal for the 12-bedroom single-storey boarding house was lodged with Blacktown Council late last year by Styletec on behalf of the owners.

The boarding house, aimed at people seeking ­affordable housing, will cater for 12 lodgers, one of whom will be a boarding house manager.

The rooms will each include their own bathroom and a bench for possible ­microwave use as well as a communal kitchen and ­dining area.

Residents are signing a change.org petition where they site traffic and noise concerns. Pictured is the site of the proposed development.

Although the application is yet to be approved, it is already on sale for $1.6 million.

The petition, launched by Kings Park resident David Smith, is addressed to Councillor Kevin Gillies and is expected to be submitted at the next council meeting on June 28.

“The proposed development is not suitable for Kings Park,” Mr Smith said.

“Cobham St is a quiet street with 99 per cent of it as residential homes through single dwellings or townhouses.”

Issues raised included loss of parking, increased traffic and noise concerns.

The proximity of the boarding house to Kings Park preschool and childcare centre was also raised.

The proposal is for a 12-bedroom single-storey boarding house, each bedroom will each include their own bathroom and a bench for possible ­microwave use.

Many residents also commented on the petition, stating overdevelopment was creating problems.

“I’ve had enough of overdevelopment in the area. It may be a money spinner for council but our area is becoming unlivable,” Jenny Fuller said.

“Traffic is horrendous and crime appears to be rampant. As a ratepayer, enough already.”

Cr Gillies said he referred 19 objections while the proposal was on public exhibition and is arranging to meet residents on Saturday to hear concerns.

“At the moment I have to be looking at what is being proposed and I have to say I have some concerns about parking issues, some concerns about parking issues on site and I have some ­concern about whether or not there is going to be an on-site supervisor,” Cr Gillies said.

The council’s records show there have been 15 applications for boarding houses in the past five years.

Of those applications, six were approved, three refused, four withdrawn and two are being considered.

Styletec was approached for comment by the Blacktown Advocate.

Although the application is yet to be approved, it is already on sale for $1.6 million.