Parramatta boarding house development application outrages residents

A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR development application for a three-storey, 40 room boarding house Sydney’s northwest has outraged neighbours who say the proposal does not suit the nature of their residential street.

An artist impression of the DA at 5 Campbell St, Northmead.

• ‘Cunning reapplication’ for Baulkham Hills boarding houses

A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR development application for a three-storey, 40 room boarding house in Northmead has outraged neighbours who say the proposal does not suit the nature of the residential street.

The $4.4 million application for 5 Campbell St, Northmead — which will house up to 80 people — was submitted by Aleksandar Projects in September.

Residents, including Ken and Margy Gill, raised concerns over the proposed bulk and design of the building, traffic flow, vehicle access and privacy to Parramatta Council.

“It is not in character with the surrounding neighbourhood buildings,” Mr Gill told the Times.

“Vehicular access and parking are already major issues in the Campbell, Murray and Fletcher streets area, stretching from the very busy intersection with Windsor Rd, past the shopping centre and down to the Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School.”

Residents protest outside 5 Campbell St, Northmead following a DA for a 40 room boarding house.

Neighbour David Ryan said the development was inappropriate.

“I’m really concerned that a property once home to two people will be replaced by a 40 room, 80 bed boarding house,” he said.

“This will have a massive impact on the local community.”

However Aleksandar Projects director, Aleks Jelicic said he was convince the development was in a suitable location.

IN OTHER NEWS

“It is positioned in the Northmead local town centre where standard neighbourhood centre facilities are available with in walking distance,” Mr Jelicic said.

“There are other significant employment and educational centres near by like Westmead Hospital as well as Western (Sydney) University, which would greatly benefit with affordable housing schemes like this one.”

The developer said the proposed boarding house will contribute to the supply of more affordable housing within the local area.

“The proposed development is considered to be of a scale and mass that is consistent with the existing and likely future character of the area,” he said.