Mt Druitt social housing: Anglicare wins appeal for $69m project
A court has made a final decision in a multimillion-dollar bid from Anglicare for a major social housing development in Mt Druitt.
Blacktown
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A controversial multimillion-dollar affordable housing project in Mt Druitt has been given the green light after a successful appeal from the developers in court.
The $68.5 million development pitched for the corner of Mt Druitt Rd and Durham St was approved in the Land and Environment Court earlier this year after initial plans were knocked back by Blacktown Council.
The decision comes more than one year after Anglicare first lodged plans for the 169 apartments, incorporating a mix of boarding rooms and affordable rentals, for the derelict site.
The development will consist of three eight-storey buildings consisting of 60 affordable rental apartments, 54 boarding rooms and 55 private, residential apartments, basement parking, housing support hub and neighbourhood shop.
In contesting the plans, Blacktown Council said the development did not meet its standards of design excellence, was not visually appealing and was not compatible with the character of the local area.
“The proposal ... will have an unacceptable impact on the streetscape as a result of the built form of the proposal,” documents from the council read.
Several issues were also raised by residents concerned about the potential social impacts of the boarding house element along with increased traffic and less availability of street parking.
However, after a three-day hearing last November, Commissioner Susan O’Neill in January approved the development on the condition Anglicare amends the architectural plans.
Commissioner O’Neill refuted the council’s claim that the development did not meet design excellence standards and concerns about the character of the local area.
“I am satisfied that the proposal is consistent with the desired future character of the locality,” she said.
“The proposal is an innovative and well-designed development that will provide a variety of housing types within a high density residential environment close to public transport and business centres.”
A council spokesperson said it would work alongside Anglicare during development.
“Council accepts the court’s findings and will work with the developer to ensure the best possible outcomes for the community,” a spokesperson said.
Anglicare pitched the project as providing greater access to affordable housing in western Sydney.
“The proposal will deliver a long-term positive impact by improving access to social and affordable housing for vulnerable women aged 55 years and over in western Sydney and NSW Housing Registrants in Blacktown Local Government Area,” documents showed.
Anglicare will be required to amend the plans as ordered by the court before construction can begin at the site.