NSW Government developer, Landcom, plans for three high-rise towers in Beecroft Rd, Epping
NSW Government developer, Landcom has revealed plans for three high-rise towers in Beecroft Rd, Epping, and the civic trust are not happy.
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NSW Government developer Landcom has revealed plans for a series of high-rise residential towers on government-owned land in Epping, much to the dismay of the civic trust.
The concept development application, submitted to Landcom, the government’s development arm, plans to develop 242-244 Beecroft Rd, Epping, into three 15-storey residential towers featuring 442 apartments.
The proposal, which would see the site sold to a private developer for construction, argued the development would provide housing within 500m walking distance from the Sydney Metro northwest, as well as “support growth close to Epping town centre and Epping station".
“The concept proposal also seeks consent for potential non-residential uses in the lower levels of the residential flat building," the concept development application said. “(These) may include neighbourhood shops, community facilities, gymnasiums and consulting suites."
However, Epping Civic Trust president Janet McGarry argued the proposal was a bid to “flog it off to the highest bidder”.
“This is State Government-owned land and the only one of its kind in Epping,” Ms McGarry said.
“The site offers a unique opportunity to meet demands when it comes to employment opportunity in the CBD or affordable housing.”
Ms McGarry said Epping was turning into a ghost town during the day because of a decrease in employment opportunities.
“Landcom has put forward a proposal which has the most minimal amount of commercial that they can get away with,” she said.
“There is minimal affordable housing proposed for this site and, currently, there is not one affordable housing unit built in Epping.”
A Landcom spokesman said the planning controls, R4 high-density residential zoning, meant commercial uses are currently prohibited.
“Landcom will require a minimum five per cent affordable rental housing in line with Landcom’s housing affordability and diversity policy,” the spokesman said.