Burdekin Rd, Schofields: Affordable housing plans face backlash from locals

While the housing crisis continues across the state, residents of a western Sydney suburb have spoken out against plans for 63 affordable housing units. Here’s the latest.

An artist impression of the proposed affordable housing in Schofields. Picture: NSW Government

Plans for affordable housing units in a western Sydney suburb have faced backlash from locals, despite an ongoing housing crisis across NSW.

Landcom, which a state government-owned statutory corporation aimed at delivering new housing, is planning to build 63 affordable housing units at 108 Burdekin Rd, Schofields.

Planning documents by GLN Planning Pty Ltd state the units, to be owned and managed by Link Wentworth, will be spread out in three six-storey buildings.

Out of the 63 units, 36 will have one bedroom, 21 will be two bedrooms and six will have three bedrooms.

However, many locals have rejected the proposal slamming it as “totally unlivable” and “not sustainable”.

“It will be hazardous for the people living in 100km radius. It is harmful for the environment and create mental stress for the neighbouring residents,” one Schofields resident submitted.

The proposed affordable housing has received backlash from locals of the area. Picture: NSW Government

“We don’t have the infrastructure to handle this extra crowd – parks, sewers, walking space. Imagine all the illegal dumping we can expect,” another wrote.

Other residents raised the issue of parking, stating the planned 31 carparks wouldn’t be enough to accommodate all 63 units.

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

“The ratio doesn’t make sense. There will be an overflow, and this will impact the streets we are in. You will have no control over who parks even within the complex,” one local said.

“People park everywhere, two cars can’t pass each other out. People can’t drive in that street,” another said.

Only one resident seemed receptive to the plan, hailing it as “an easy win to help the housing supply crisis”.

The aim is to build 63 affordable units across six-storeys. Picture: NSW Government

Since the public exhibition period, a submissions reported conducted by GLN on the developer’s behalf outlined the team had gone back to “assess the potential impacts of the project” and “review the design”.

In response to the traffic congestion issues raised, the developer stated there was “overwhelming evidence” that the dwellings would generate “significantly fewer trips”.

“Especially when they are located in urbanised areas with good access to public transport and general services,” the report states.

If approved, construction is projected to start mid 2026 with the aim to move residents in by early 2028.