Hornsby Council: Proposed group homes for women, children fleeing domestic violence

For women and children fleeing domestic violence, it’s daunting trying to find a place to live. One developer is hoping to offer a refuge in Sydney’s upper north shore. Here are the plans.

Artist impression of the temporary refuge accommodation. Picture: Hornsby Council

Women and children fleeing domestic violence could be provided some relief with a developer planning to build temporary shelters in Sydney’s upper north shore.

Catholic Care has lodged an application with Hornsby Council to construct several transitional group homes.

The plan is to build eight group homes with shared ancillary facilities, with the goal to provide temporary refuge for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

Due to the delicate nature of the proposed shelters and the safety risk, this masthead cannot disclose the location of the shelters.

A statement of environmental effects report, conducted by Creative Planning Solutions on behalf of the developer, outlines six of the group homes will be one-bedroom, with one being accessible, an accessible two-bedroom home and a regular two bedroom home.

An aerial proposed layout of the temporary refuge accommodation. Picture: Hornsby Council

All homes will include a bathroom, laundry room, private balcony, living area and an open plan kitchen.

The final building will be a “core” communal area with a lounge, dining, kitchen, internal play area, two bathrooms, an office, meeting room, storage room, consultation room and an outdoor area.

The proposed bushland site for the temporary refuge accommodation. Picture: Hornsby Council

The plans also highlight an external communal facilities including a playground, vegetable gardens, sports court, BBQ area and fenced area for dogs.

A new driveway and a car park for 12 vehicles are also planned.

Residents staying in these temporary refuges will be under the supervision and care of qualified support staff, with the plans stating the homes will have a “positive social impact” through the “provision of high-quality, purpose-built accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence”.