Traffic worry as latest tower plan for vacant site on Hume Hwy at Liverpool emerges

THE State Government approved a planning proposal allowed for a 32-storey residential tower which would become the tallest in Liverpool. But council has concerns about the increased traffic.

The vacant site in Liverpool that has now been approved for developments up to 32 storeys. Picture: Timothy Clapin

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THE next high-rise development to dot the Liverpool skyline could be up to 32 storeys high, but its location at a busy intersection has prompted concerns about the impact on traffic.

The NSW Planning and Environment Department last week approved a planning proposal for the vacant site at 311 Hume Hwy, which intersects with Hoxton Park Rd.

The site has lain vacant for several years and has been subject to a number of historic development applications.

An indicative concept design of the potential development.

But changes to the planning controls mean the height limits have increased from 15 to 32 storeys along the Hume Hwy and from 24m to 25m for an eight-storey building at the back of the site.

Across the road, the Skyhaus development is just one floor short of this maximum height.

Sydney Region West director Catherine Van Laeren said the vacant land could be transformed into a residential tower with more 300 homes and two retail stores.

“Liverpool’s population is expected to grow by more than 100,000 new residents and will need more than 10,000 new homes within and around the city centre by 2036,” Ms Van Laeren said.

She said the site was in a convenient location, being close to the Liverpool CBD and public transport.

The site is opposite the Skyhaus development. Picture: Tim Clapin

But Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the impact on traffic would need to be considered.

“I am concerned about traffic. I have been told that the RMS have signed off on it and they are the authority, so we’re left sort of wondering what we can really do,” Ms Waller said.

“If these buildings are built with the necessary infrastructure and green space attached, and the design is that it is very socially inclusive, then I think it is a matter for the planners and engineers to ensure that these are workable spaces.”

An RMS spokeswoman said it would “continue to work with council to mitigate any future impacts to the existing road network from this development and other developments in the precinct.”

The view from the 31-storey Skyhaus development. Picture: Rob Pozo

Liverpool Council will now be able to assess a DA for the site.

It comes as the State Government moves to strip local councils of the power to determine development applications above a certain threshold and make independent planning panels mandatory.

Liverpool Council already makes use of an independent hearing and assessment panel for specific classes of buildings where there are five or more unresolved objections and any matter that involves changes to the Liverpool LEP 2008 or a relevant State Environmental Planning Policy greater than 10 per cent.

Any DA lodged by or on behalf of the council, where it has a pecuniary interest, is also reviewed by IHAP, which makes recommendations to the council on whether DAs should be approved or refused.

“Liverpool was one of the first Councils to establish an IHAP and we support the proposal to expand the role of the IHAPs to determine applications,” the council’s chief executive Kiersten Fishburn said.

AT A GLANCE

■ The State Government has approved a planning proposal that changes the planning controls for a vacant site at 311 Hume Hwy.

■ The height limit was increased from 15 to 32 storeys on the Hume Hwy and from 24m to 25m for an eight-storey building at the back of the site.

■ Council can now assess DAs for the site.