Harrington Park residents fight rezoning proposal from Pristine Property for Towra Court and Davy Court

Several hundred residents have joined forces to slam plans to destroy numerous trees and treasured green space to allow the construction of dozens of new homes at Harrington Park.

Harrington Park residents are pushing back against the rezoning proposal from Pristine Property for Towra Court and Davy Court. Picture: Google Maps

A plan to “destroy” green space to make way for dozens of new homes at Harrington Park has been lashed by residents, with one raising concerns the area is losing its character.

More than 300 people have signed a petition against a proposal to change the planning controls for 5 Towra Ct and 5-9 Davy Ct, Harrington Park to accommodate more housing.

The planning proposal, lodged by Pristine Property with Camden Council, would see the zoning change from large lot residential to low-density residential with the minimum lot size shifting from 6000sq m to 600sq m, 1000sq m and 3000sq m blocks.

The change would allow an extra 44 residential lots.

Belinda Hobman, who has lived on Towra Court for more than 15 years, said she worried about the destruction of green space, lack of infrastructure, and increased traffic if the plans went ahead.

Landscape plans for 5 Towra Court and 5, 7, 9 Davy Court, Harrington Park.

She is one of nearly 400 members on a social media group called ‘Keep Harrington Park Green’’ which has launched a petition against the proposal.

“They want to build homes and destroy the entrance to Harrington Park from Camden Valley Way where there are a lot of trees and it is really welcoming,” Ms Hobman said.

“If they rezone, there is no exact number on how many lots will go in because they could put duplexes in. Traffic would be a big problem, and we don’t have the infrastructure to support it.”

Ms Hobman said if the plans were approved, the trees planted to the east of Sir Warwick Fairfax Dr would be mowed down to make way for the housing.

She said developments such as this would see the Camden area lose what makes it so unique.

“The area is already losing its character,” Ms Hobman said.

The green space would be taken over for housing.

“This development will cause chaos for the community due to traffic problems, pollution, reduced green space and less cooling in the area … not to mention we will all be miserable living on top of each other, and our land values will decrease massively.”

Ms Hobman urged residents to have their say, even those who do not live nearby.

“It’s not just Harrington Park residents that can object. Anyone that cares about green space and bushland can make a submission,” she said.

A report from the developer states the “gateway” site to Harrington Park has never optimised its “inherent urban potential” to provide a premium housing precinct.

It also states the existing “tree lot” at 5 Towra Ct is beginning “to represent a bushfire hazard” and its poor connection to vegetation limits its habitat qualities.

The planning proposal is on public exhibition until October 18.