Hills Shire Council knocks back application for boarding house at Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills

THE FINAL development application to be debated in the Hills Shire Council saw elected representatives continue a defiant stand against the development of boarding houses across the Hills.

A two-storey, 16-room boarding house was knocked back for Baulkham Hills.

THE FINAL development application to be debated in the Hills Shire Council saw elected representatives continue a defiant stand against the introduction of boarding houses across the Hills.

Councillors unanimously voted to reject a development application for a two-storey, 16-room boarding house at 511 Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills, submitted under provisions for affordable rental housing.

Councillor Robyn Preston raised the motion to dismiss the application.

Cr Preston said the development did not satisfy provisions under the Environmental Planning Policy Affordable Rental Housing Act, “as the development is not considered to be compatible with the existing character of the local area”.

The motion also said the development did not satisfy aims of the Hills Local Environmental Plan, “as it does not contribute towards orderly and sustainable development in the Hills”.

“The proposal does not represent the efficient use of land and may impact on the amenity of adjoining properties,” Cr Preston said during the motion.

“The development is considered not to be in the public interest given the number of submissions received and its failure to satisfy the objectives of the low density residential zone and character requirements.

“The development will have an unreasonable impact on the amenity of adjoining owners in terms of privacy, bulk and scale.”

The proposed boarding house at 511 Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills.

Baulkham Hills resident Veronica Farrell said she was happy with the result but concerned the applicant would take the application to the Land and Environment Court.

“Accessibility is a major issue when it comes to this development,” Ms Farrell said.

“I am very happy that this development was knocked back, but I am not happy that accessibility was not used to knock it back.

“The suburbs are not the place for boarding houses or affordable housing developments.”

Ms Farrell said the amount of time fighting the development has been incredible.

“I am willing to fight this in the Land and Environment Court,” Ms Farrell said.

“I don’t know whether the council will be interested in fighting this.”

Town planning consultant Mark Shanahan spoke on behalf of applicant Ramy Fahmy, arguing the proximity to regular public transport, affordable rental housing options and pedestrian links were all favourable parts of the application.

“The development application expands housing choice and diversity in the area,” Mr Shanahan said.

“Young people leaving home, starting their first job and saving for their first home, or people in modestly paid professions would find this as an appealing option for them.

“There are thousands of first home buyers that cant afford to rent something so this would add choice and diversity to the market.”

Mr Shanahan said the applicants were committed to community forums and consultations with town planners in the 18 month process.

“We did everything asked of us,” he said. “Unfortunately, it was the last DA that council was dealing with and they wanted to send a message to the government.

“The message they really sent is this is a good reason that councillors control of development decisions were taken away.”

Hills Shire councillors have consistently voted against boarding houses in the Hills Shire.

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