Panel rejects $3b Castle Hill Showground development

THE STATE Government have supported a Sydney council’s refusal of a $3 billion plan for thousands of homes surrounding a new metro station.

A masterplanned development for the Hills Showground precinct has been knocked back by the NSW Government

• $3 billion housing plan for Showground precinct
• Developer vows to continue the fight for masterplanned community
• Showground development revival begins at Chapman Ave, Castle Hill

THE STATE Government have supported a Sydney council’s refusal of a $3 billion plan for thousands of homes surrounding a new metro station.

The Hills Shire Council has fought a proposal for the development of a network of more than a dozen high-rise buildings at the Hills Showground, since its release in March.

However, this month the NSW Government’s Sydney Central City Planning Panel has knocked back the billion dollar planning proposal by Showground Corporation.

The proposal included more than 3000 homes.

The masterplanned development proposal earmarked the construction of 3000 apartments — including 720 homes dedicated to affordable housing and accommodation for families of domestic violence.

The proposal saw the suggested development of 90,000sq m of residential land as part of the masterplan, which also included more than 7000sq m of public open space, 5000sq m of public sporting fields and community amenities funded by Urban Planner, alongside access to Showground Metro Station.

Parkland and green space were also included in the plans.

Hills Shire mayor Michelle Byrne welcomed the decision by the planning panel, which she said prevented over-the-top high-rise development at the Showground precinct.

“The Panel made this decision based on council’s submission, which identified excessive floor space ratios and building heights that would have a negative impact on the local amenity and character of the area, as well as add to more traffic congestion,” Cr Byrne said.

“The Panel also highlighted that the additional dwellings presented unplanned growth, with the potential to disadvantage other land owners in the precinct who may wish to develop their land in accordance with the current development standards.”

The developers raised the proposal in March.

Cr Byrne said she “understood growth is coming”.

“More people will need more homes and there will be a need for higher densities to meet housing targets,” she said.

“But we also understand that residents who live here in the future will have to live with decisions made now about height and density.”

Cr Byrne said it was time for the planning controls in the Showground precinct to be respected.

“It’s disappointing that when Council, the Department of Planning and Environment and the NSW Minister for Planning agree on density outcomes for an area based on the supporting infrastructure and needs of the community, a developer seeks to dramatically increase the yield,” she said.

Planning panel chair, Mary-Lynne Taylor said the proposal would not be submitted for gateway determination, because the proposal has not demonstrated strategic merit.

Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne

Planning Panel chair Mary-Lynne Taylor.

“The proposal seeks to amend controls that are less than 12 months old,” Ms Taylor said.

“The controls were underpinned by comprehensive strategic planning studies undertaken by council, the Department of Planning … and other state agencies to determine the appropriate built form and density in the Showground Station Precinct needed to support the Sydney Metro northwest project.”

Ms Taylor said the panel saw merit in a revised development concept and planning proposal, that included a maximum number of 2,643 homes, building heights of no taller than 18 storeys, the widening of Middleton Ave and 5000sq m of public open space on the corner of Dawes and Middleton avenues.

Ms Taylor also sought confirmation about overshadowing, building separation and setbacks.

Showground Corporation Project Director Joe Chiha said he was disappointed by the panel’s decision.

The proposal could have seen residential towers ranging from eight to 12-storeys.

“I don’t know why the Panel didn’t just approve the Gateway to allow the planning proposal to proceed subject to conditions in accordance with their concerns,” he said.

Mr Chiha said the Showground Corporation is the latest major development company to have their Showground Precinct planning proposal rejected by Hills Council and the planning panel.

“We have some significant concerns about the integrity of the appeal and approval process — including legal concerns — and will be holding discussions with the Department of Planning and Environment as well as the Minister’s office,” he said.

“What we decide to do in future will very much depend on the outcome of these discussions.

“We strongly believe the Showground Precinct needs a master-planned approach that delivers significant community benefits and connectivity, rather than just fragmented and piecemeal development with no community infrastructure and benefits, and no holistic connections.”

Mr Chiha said he was fearful that the Showground Precinct would become a ‘messy

white elephant’ for the State Government, which had encouraged planned development around the new Showground Station Metro Line.