Mile End Rd Bus Depot proposal: plans expanded after HillsBus withdraw first DA

Outraged residents are reeling after a development application for a massive bus depot has, once again, reared its ugly head in a Sydney suburb.

Concerned Mile End Rd residents (L-R) Rob & Andrea McFarlane, Carol & John Van De Maele, Emily Van De Maele, 8, Dr David Anger, Kelly Zammit, Cayleen Gualterio, David Van De Maele, 11, Michael Lambert & Neil Poullos thought that plans for a bus depot had been withdrawn. Pic: AAP Image / Troy Snook

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Rouse Hill residents are reeling after a development application for a massive bus depot has, once again, reared its ugly head.

In September, Kelly Zammit notified neighbours about a controversial proposal for a bus depot at 4 Mile End Rd, Rouse Hill earmarking 700 bus movements at the site every day.

However, on November 28, residents were notified by The Hills Shire Council the application had been withdrawn by CDC HillsBus, following outrage from the community at conciliation meetings with the developer and bus operator.

Ms Zammit said residents main concern was an increase in traffic, congestion and the safety of children in surrounding residential streets.

“We do not know what it means for our future,” she said.

“We all thought that the withdrawal was indefinite but now it has come back with a vengeance.

“People are so concerned they are considering selling their homes.”

Rouse Hill residents Kelly Zammit and Neil Poullos in front of the proposed bus depot site on Mile End Rd in Rouse Hill. Pic: AAP Image / Angelo Velardo

But on December 17 a new development application was lodged to council proposing the contraction of a parking area for 208 buses and 234 private cars, a new driveway and public road, fuelling bay, bus workshop and an increase in bus movements to 799 per day.

Ms Zammit said residents met with the developer and council at a conciliation conference and raised a series of concerns about the proposal.

“A few days later we received the notice of withdrawal,” she said.

“We thought the war was won.

“We have seen countless near misses with bus driving erratically and almost hitting children from four different schools on Withers Rd — our roads can’t cope and we fear for residents’ safety.”

The depot will provide space for 208 HillsBus buses. Pic: AAP Image / Angelo Velardo

However HillsBus argues the proposed development is considered to result in a “positive planning outcome contributing to the industrial and employment sector … and the provision of public transport services”, according to a revised development application for the site.

“Furthermore, the proposal will not cause any adverse environmental impacts or adversely affect and surrounding land uses.”

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A HillsBus spokesman said the company continues to be in discussions with The Hills Shire Council about the project.

“As with all development applications before council, residents will be kept informed through the statutory Council planning and approval procedures,” he said.

A Hills Shire Council spokeswoman said it was currently assessing the new development application.

“The DA will be publicly advertised and notified from January 15 to enable interested parties to make submission to the proposal,” she said.

“All residents who made submissions to the original DA will be notified of the new proposal.”