Austino Property Group moves Forest Park, Epping, plan forward

DEVELOPER Austino has taken its plan for 654 units and shops adjoining Forest Park at Epping to the State Government, rather than resubmit to Hornsby Council.

Artists impressions of the development on Epping Road, Blaxland Road, Forest Grove and Forest Park in Epping. Picture: Austino Property Group

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DEVELOPER Austino has taken its plan for 654 units and shops adjoining Forest Park at Epping to the State Government, rather than resubmit to Hornsby Council.

The council in April said Austino needed to review the bulk and traffic impact of the proposal, and its plaza.

The unit buildings would replace the Tuffy Mufflers site, homes along Epping Rd to Forest Grove and the former Epping Bowling Club.

Artists impression. Picture: Austino Property Group

Austino has taken its rezoning proposal – which would see building heights up to 72m – to the Department of Planning for Pre-Gateway Review.

State and local government officials will visit the site, assess the proposal and consider whether it can proceed to the community consultation phase.

The Department of Planning could not suggest how long this may take.

The community consultation phase would most likely include invitations for public submissions, as well as plans for a public hearing.

Austino is also offering public facilities and money to Parramatta Council, which has taken responsibility for Epping from Hornsby Council, as part of the proposal.

This offer is known as a voluntary planning agreement.

Ausinto’s offer includes providing $10 million, which may be used for a pool.

Advocates of the Dence Park pool at Epping, known as the Save Epping Pool group, want the money spent on the existing pool.

While the State Government will determine the rezoning, Parramatta Council must determine the voluntary planning agreement.