Castle Hill RSL aged care centre decided on by planning panel
A NSW planning panel has determined the fate of a $340m plan for hundreds of homes for the elderly at a north-west Sydney RSL club.
Hills Shire
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An ambitious plans to build hundreds of homes to be built at the Castle Hill RSL has been decided on by a NSW planning panel.
The $340 million development, which was approved be the Sydney Central City Planning Panel on Thursday evening, includes the partial demolition of the RSL club and construction of a seniors housing development including 249 independent living units across five buildings up to six storeys in height, 17 serviced care apartments and a 19-bed residential aged care facility.
More than 100 neighbouring residents made submissions relating to the construction of the seniors living precinct at 77 Castle St, Castle Hill, which sparked a conciliation conference to
remediate concerns and an outpouring of objection in the lead up to the decision.
Residents raised concerns with the proposal’s compliance with the State Environmental Planning Policy and the fact the land is zoned for a registered club.
Residents also raised concerns around the narrow nature of Castle St, the lack of privacy that will occur due to building heights, and trees proposed for removal.
A Hills Shire Council planning representative recommended the Sydney Central City Planning Panel approve the development when it comes before them on December 11.
“The proposed development will provide housing needs of low, medium and high care for a diverse population within a low density environment that is highly compatible with existing and surrounding land uses,” the representative said.
“There will be a 95 per cent increase in the 65-84 age group and 183 per cent proportional increase in people aged 85 and over, by 2036.”
A Castle Hill RSL representative said the residential precinct will “still be seperate from the RSL club”.
“Despite the fact that residents will be on site, they will still be required to register or sign in to access the RSL,” the spokesman said.
While a council spokesman said “very strict controls will be installed” to prevent people from accessing alcohol and gaming facilities.
Panel chair, Lindsay Fletcher said the decision to approve the proposal was unanimous.
“The proposed development is consistant with the surrounding area,” he said.
“Impacts including traffic, access, privacy and visual issues have been addressed so this proposal will not result in negative impact.
“This proposal will provide new housing stock for the area.”