Auburn: Kerr Pde boarding house, backlash from school, council
A colossal ‘boarding house’ will loom over a primary school if ‘disgraceful’ plans for the 12-storey block get the green light.
Parramatta
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Plans for a 140-unit, 12-storey “boarding house” at Auburn next door to a primary school have been labelled a disgraceful way developers can make a quick buck under the guise of affordable housing.
The Sydney and Regional Planning Panel is assessing a development application for 140 rooms over 12 storeys, next door to Amity College where 350 students attend.
The Rolz Group development at 30 Kerr Pde would include a shop, four-level basement carpark with spaces for 55 cars, 32 motorcycle and 32 bicycles, and a 236sq m communal area.
In the Rolz Group’s submission, the aim of the project was to increase the quality and quantity of affordable housing options in Auburn and the Cumberland council area.
“The development will provide for a range of housing types to service the needs of a growing population on a site that is within Auburn town centre and in close proximity to the train station,’’ plans stated.
“The development is also located in close proximity to a range of services and facilities to meet the needs of the residents.’’
The block would rise where a three-storey stands and will sprawl over 944sq m, flanking the train line.
Plans state the project would have “strong public interest”.
But Amity College principal Ahmet Cimen said the school community, which comprised 248 families, would be concerned about children’s wellbeing if the boarding house was approved.
“As principal of a primary school, I have serious reservations about the nature of the boarding being provided as well as the many uncontrollable variables associated with visitors that enter the complex,’’ he said.
Mr Cimen said the school had already raised traffic concerns on the street, which includes a 12-storey apartment complex next to the proposed block.
“Such a complex being built next door to our school would severely amplify parking and traffic congestion on Kerr Parade,’’ he said.
Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou slammed the proposal submitted under an affordable housing project.
“It’s disgraceful,’’ he said.
“This goes beyond affordable housing measures.
“It is my belief it is part of the new super boarding house trend … where people can make a quick dollar out of boarding houses and are loading up on one of NSW’s most disadvantaged areas. I know they’ve been popping up more regularly.’’
Nearby, the Cumberland Local Planning Panel in November approved a 32-room double-storey boarding house for 45-47 Susan St.
Development applications skip the council and go to the planning panel or the Sydney and Regional Planning Panel if they are worth more than $5 million and $30 million.
Last year, then mayor Greg Cummings also lashed out at the proliferation of boarding houses in the community, saying western Sydney was left to pick up the housing strain.