$170m plan for 233 units, commercial complex in Hornsby to be decided
A controversial high rise development is being proposed for Hornsby — but there are fears the plan is ‘inappropriate’ and an example of ‘overdevelopment’. See the artist impressions.
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A high rise development worth $170.6m could see the relocation of a heritage building and the construction of 231 units in Hornsby.
But it seems the developer has faced a draft of obstacles since submitting an application back in March 2018.
It comes after a planning panel meeting was suddenly cancelled for December 18 because the developer — who is not named in planning documents — requested a deferral to look at traffic management plans.
The location of the proposed complex — 187 to 203 Peats Ferry Road and 2 to 6 Dural Street — is currently occupied by a preschool, shops and a plot of vacant land.
If the development is approved, it would include moving heritage listed building, Norwood Cottage, closer to the Dural Street frontage for use as a childcare centre.
There would also be excavation works for a four-level basement carpark and the construction of a multi-use building with two residential towers of 12 storeys and 20 storeys high.
Documents show the developer has outlined a number of benefits the project would offer citing “greater housing supply within 30 minutes of jobs, health facilities, retail and commercial services and multiple modes of public transport,” and “short term construction jobs.”
The project is still under assessment but there has been an overwhelming number of objections from the public.
At least 130 submissions were made against the development through the council website.
Community concerns related to traffic, height, infrastructure capacity, heritage and character.
A planning alerts website also displays comments expressing residents frustrations.
Some people deemed it “inappropriate” and an example of “overdevelopment”.
“Developers do not have the best interests of the community at heart,” one person wrote on the website.
“It is the profit motive that drives them, so it is up to planning panels to look at what is best for the community regardless of any justifications put forward by developers.
“And just because a precinct is zoned for high rise does not mean that high rise is the answer. This is the strategic approach taken by developer lobbyists and needs to be curtailed.”
The Hornsby Advocate has approached the developer for comment through the applicant but hasn’t received a response.
A planning panel meeting is expected to be set in coming months.