NSW Planning Panel support high-rise proposal for Bull ‘n’ Bush site in Baulkham Hills

A controversial development proposal — which would see the historic hotel at Baulkham Hills levelled for three high-rise towers — has been supported for public exhibition.

Artist impression of the Bull 'n' Bush redevelopment. Frontage from Windsor Rd, Seven Hills Rd

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The Bull ‘n’ Bush hotel is one step closer to being demolished.

A controversial development proposal — which would see the historic hotel at Baulkham Hills levelled for three high-rise towers — has been supported for public exhibition.

The residential proposal, which earmarks three residential towers ranging from eight to 15 storeys, 200 apartments, a library and community centre for the corner of Windsor and Seven Hills roads, Baulkham Hills, was unanimously supported by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel at a meeting on October 31 to proceed for public exhibition.

Artist impression of the Bull 'n' Bush redevelopment. Neighbouring park

Central City Panel Acting Chair Paul Mitchell said it determined that the planning proposal as submitted was “suitable for public exhibition because the planning proposal has been amended to meet the requirements of the Gateway Determination”.

Mr Mitchell, who works with City Plan Services, said he had prepared an earlier planning proposal for the subject site several years ago as a declaration of interest.

Artist impressions of the latest plans for the Bull 'n' Bush site on Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills.

In July, Hills Shire councillors spoke out about the lack of infrastructure surrounding the site. This resulted in an overwhelming decision to reject the proposal and the council being removed as planning authority.

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Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne said she was disappointed the panel had, once again, over ridden council’s decision to not allow the proposal to proceed to Gateway Determination.

“There is a limit to how much density Baulkham Hills town centre can accommodate particularly given the roads through the town centre are already gridlock with more and more traffic trying to access the M2 and parramatta,” Cr Byrne said.

Artist impression of the Bull 'n' Bush redevelopment. Neighbouring park

“There needs to be a solution to the traffic problems through the town centre and certainly grade separation should be seriously considered if the densities proposed on the bull n bush site are ultimately approved.”

Hills west ward councillor Jacob Jackson, who campaigned on a platform of preventing overdevelopment and increasing infrastructure in the heart of Baulkham Hills said he supported council’s rejection of the proposal.

Hills Shire councillor Jacob Jackson

Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne

“We do not have the infrastructure surrounding this site to support it,” Cr Jackson said.

“The government is yet to provide any clarity or update on funding for local infrastructure, including Windsor Rd, and until that occurs, nothing should happen at the site.”

The proposal sought the amendment of the Hills Local Environmental Plan to amend the land zoning, height of building and floor space for the Bull ‘n’ Bush hotel site at 260 — 378 Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills.