Council push to rezone IBM site would “remove safeguards” for trees
A PROPOSAL to strip back environmental protections along the fringe of the Cumberland State Forest at the IBM site in West Pennant Hills has angered locals.
Hills Shire
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A PROPOSAL to strip back environmental protections along the fringe of the Cumberland State Forest at the IBM site in West Pennant Hills has angered locals.
In November, the NSW planning department approved Mirvac’s proposal for 600 high and medium density homes at 55 Coonara Ave, but sought several conditions around infrastructure and environmental concerns.
Commission delegate Marcus Ray asked The Hills Shire Council to consider and propose appropriate open space, environmental protection and amendment of lot size, floor space ratio and height.
Under the revised gateway determination, The Hills Shire Council is seeking to remove zoning to protect forestry, public recreation, environmental living and conservation zones at 55 Coonara Ave, and impose E3 environmental management zoning, which would allow limited development including homes and secondary dwellings.
Following council’s submission, action group spokeswoman Jan Primrose wrote to the planning department on behalf of several action groups, seeking rezoning to protect critically endangered forest within the proposed development.
“Council have asked the planning department to issue a revised gateway determination which sought residential subdivision of the Sydney blue gum high forest into an exclusive residential enclave,” she said.
“Council also sought site specific provisions that include agreed dwelling mix, size and parking provisions, small lot housing and development of the site by a single developer which we believe is inconsistent with ministerial directives.
A Hills Shire Council spokeswoman confirmed that under E3 environmental management zone, “dwelling houses are permitted with the consent of council”.
“Of the zones suggested by the (Planning) Department, the E3 Environmental Management zone is best suited to conserving the existing high value vegetation and providing for ongoing management of this area,” the spokeswoman said.
“The primary objective of this zone is to protect, manage and restore areas with special ecological, scientific, cultural or aesthetic values.
“The protection of significant vegetation located on the site will also be regulated by the provisions of Commonwealth and state biodiversity legislation.”
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The spokeswoman said the suggested E2 Environmental Conservation Zone was not supported “as it could trigger land acquisitions”.
“The land is privately owned with specific federal and state environmental controls — which means it’s not necessary for council to acquire and maintain the land,” she said.
Mirvac general manager Toby Long said protecting the forest was a top priority for the developer.
“There has never been a proposal that affects the remnant bushland and we can categorically rule out sub-dividing the forest areas,” he said.
“In fact we are seeking the highest form of zoning — E2 — for forest areas.
“Council has now twice endorsed the proposal for residential use which is contained to the already established area, and the planning department has established the strategic merit of the project through their ‘Gateway Determination’ process.
“Mirvac is committed to ensuring the ongoing protection of the remnant forest and is working on this with relevant stakeholders as part of the planning process. We are not seeking to impose the cost of this protection on Council.”
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