Developer, residents, welcome West Pennant Hills forest site decision

WEST Pennant Hills residents are celebrating after the Greater Sydney Commission recognised concerns surrounding a high-density development proposal at the IBM site.

The Hills Shire Council has been asked to consider and propose appropriate open space and environmental protection for a Mirvac site.

WEST Pennant Hills residents are celebrating after a commission recognised concerns surrounding a high-density development proposal at the IBM site.

The Greater Sydney Commission approved the Mirvac proposal of 55 Coonara Ave, for 600 high and medium density homes where blue gum high forest and Sydney turpentine ironbark forests now stand.

But the project will be subject to several conditions around infrastructure and environmental concerns.

Commission delegate Marcus Ray said it asked The Hills Shire Council to consider and propose appropriate open space, environmental protection and to assist the envisaged development while ensuring vegetation on the side is protected.

Community groups are saying the State Government has taken note of the community’s concerns and Picture: Ryan Osland

“This will ensure the protection and conservation of environmentally sensitive areas,’’ Mr Ray said.

The commission sought amendment of lot size, floor space ratio and height.

Protecting Your Suburban Environment spokeswoman Jan Primrose said the determination was a great community outcome.

“The state government has taken note of the community’s concerns and requires that council now provides appropriate resolutions for the many major issues raised by residents,” she said.

“The department has made it clear that it wants appropriate land use zones such as the E2 environmental protection zone to be applied to ensure the protection and conservation of the environmentally sensitive areas.”

Artist impression of the proposed development at 55 Coonara Ave, West Pennant Hills.

West Pennant Hills Valley Progress spokeswoman Carol Flanagan said residents and the commission’s concerns were the same about traffic, environmental protection and lack of infrastructure, which were also raised by the commission.

A Mirvac spokeswoman said it welcomed the commission’s decision for the proposed rezoning. “Mirvac’s proposal protects the forest, reduces traffic and building heights on the site, and provides a number of community benefits,’’ she said.

“We look forward to progressing the planning process.”

An artist’s impression showing some of the open community space at the West Pennant Hills site.