Mirvac plan on IBM site to build hundreds of homes in West Pennant Hills given new life
A major Mirvac development to build 600 homes in West Pennant Hills — which was knocked back by The Hills Shire Council last year — could become a reality.
Hills Shire
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A controversial plan for hundreds of homes on the former IBM site in West Pennant Hills by Mirvac, which looked dead in the water, has been given new life.
The state government has included the $151 million dollar proposal on a list of 24 projects that will have their planning assessment fast-tracked and finalised.
The Planning Assessment Evaluation Program is part of NSW Government’s strategy to kickstart the economy due to COVID-19.
Hills Shire Council voted to knock back the proposal in November last year.
Council received 4000 objections to the proposal during the public exhibition process.
But at the end of last year Mirvac went to the State Planning Panel to seek a review of the decision.
That review has not been finalised.
Community groups have launched countless campaigns against the proposal in an effort to protect the surrounding Cumberland State Forest.
They have also raised concerns about the Sydney Turpentine and Ironbark forests – which are considered endangered ecological communities.
The site is also a breeding ground for the critically endangered Powerful Owl with the Energy, Environment and Science Department issuing concerns that the proposed development could result in the destruction of the species habitat.
A decision will be made on June 18.