IBM site: Mirvac lodge West Pennant Hills plans

The release of plans for the mega residential development on the old IBM site at West Pennant Hills has led to a backlash from locals and councillors. See what’s planned.

Plans for the controversial development on the old IBM site at West Pennant Hills have finally been released.

Developer Mirvac has lodged three Development Applications (DAs) with The Hills Shire Council for the construction of houses, apartments, community facilities and parklands.

The first DA is a $41 million plan for a “southern housing precinct” with 61 attached and detached dwellings.

The second, valued at $30 million, is for 418 dwellings (166 houses and 252 apartments) while the third, valued at $165 million, is for 252 apartments, split between four residential buildings.

The proposal to turn the 26-hectare IBM site into a new residential community has attracted widespread opposition from across the political spectrum,

But in September 2021, the Hills Shire Times revealed the controversial development site at West Pennant Hills had reached a major milestone when the Federal Environment Minister gave the final tick of approval for the demolition of existing building and clearing of vegetation at the old IBM site.

What it could look like … image supplied by Mirvac

Of the third DA not one of the planned residential buildings adhere to the 22 metre height limits.

The proposed height of building B, for example, is 27.1 metres – a 23.18% transgression.

In official planning documents, Mirvac defended its development proposal.

“The proposed building height contravention presents a superior planning and design outcomes than those alternate options which have been explored,” Mirvac said.

“Further, it is considered that there is no statutory or environmental planning impediment to the granting of a building height contravention in this instance.”

A public walkway through the development

Liberal and Greens members of the Hills Shire Council are united in their opposition to the DAs.

The newly elected Mayor, Dr Peter Gangemi expressed his frustrations with the lack of council input.

“It is disappointing that councillors have been sidelined and unable to make decisions on local planning matters, especially on issues which residents feel passionate about,” he said.

“It is outrageous that the community have been sidelined by the NSW Government … only the State Government can change this and they are not listening to local Mayors or councillors. It’s time for the community to put more pressure on our local State Members.”

Liberal Mayor Gangemi and Greens Cr Kasby are united in their opposition

Greens Councillor, Dr Mila Kasby, described the DAs as an “especially devastating result”.

“(It’s) such an ecologically sensitive area, it’s old growth forest that is critically endangered and home to vulnerable species such as the Power Owl … (and) some of the trees there are older than those in the adjacent Cumberland State Forest,” Cr Kasby said.

The plans show plenty of greenery

Some of the buildings will be up to nine storeys

“Forests in urban areas such as this are precious and should absolutely be preserved, particularly as we urgently need to address climate change and rampant deforestation.

“People are rightly angry about this development because they don’t feel heard … when this happens they form grassroots community groups to protect where they live — this forest is just so important to them.”

Jan Primrose, the Spokesperson for Forest in Danger

Jan Primrose, the Spokesperson for Forest in Danger has also expressed her frustration and anger at the latest developments.

She said: “The community is appalled that Mirvac has lodged plans for 9-storey unit towers when the Department of Planning only approved a 6-story height limit.

“These monstrous towers are unacceptable within the Forest and adjacent to the Cumberland State Forest,” Ms Primrose added.

Artist's impression of the proposed development

However, in a previous Hills Shire Times article, Mirvac’s Senior Development Manager, Amanda Blake, hit back at criticism about the proposed development.

“We are not destroying the forest … from day one we recognised all the remnant forest was so special so all the building and any bushfire zones we need are outside that remnant forest,” Ms Blake said.

According to Mirvac’s website, the remnant forest is also “zoned for environmental protection with approximately 10h proposed … as an extension of the adjoining Cumberland State Forest.”

An artist impressions of Mirvac’s plans for the former IBM site at West Pennant Hills

Mirvac has been approached for comment following the release of the DAs.

The three DAs will remain on exhibition until February 7.

They will be determined by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel over the coming months.