Merrylands, Dressler Court: Four- storey addition for unit complex

A vast multi-storey apartment block in Sydney’s west is about to get bulkier if plans to add units get the green light but residents are resisting its growth spurt.

Four more storeys are proposed for a Merrylands apartment block. Source: Zhinar Architects

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A vast multi-storey apartment block at Merrylands is about to get bulkier if plans to add more units — and take the total to 210 — get the green light but residents are resisting its growth spurt.

Cumberland local planning panel is assessing the proposals for an additional 32 flats over four storeys on top of the already-approved 12-storey unit block at 20-22 Dressler Court, which was formerly 1-11 Neil St.

Developers Landmark Group Australia lodged plans that would include a rooftop communal open space on the 6765sq m site, which is known as the Merrylands Neil Street Precinct and comprises four buildings.

Much of the work on the complex, 350m from Merrylands train station, has been completed and will comprise 68 one-bedroom flats, 130 with two bedrooms and 12 with three bedrooms.

An artist’s impression illustrating the four additional storeys on top of the 12-level building. Source: Zhinar Architects

The applicant said the development would provide extra housing that contributed towards meeting dwelling targets under the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy, was a Design Excellence development and was in an appropriate location because of its proximity to the station and shops.

Following a public exhibition feedback from March to May, Cumberland Council received six submissions, which highlighted concerns over excessive height and a shortfall of three-bedroom units to reflect the demographics of Cumberland where 39.6 per cent of residents live in households of four or more.

Overshadowing, loss of privacy and traffic congestion were also listed in residents’ objections.

One resident wrote that the proposal posed and “extraordinarily substantial and incompatible increase in eight, bulk and scale’’.

Another resident concerned about the lack of privacy wrote: “If this proposal goes ahead my intention to stay in my unit will be seriously affected. I would not like to move out or be going through the hardships of finding a good property in order to meet my family’s needs and wants.’’

The panel will assess the application on November 11 but the Planning Department will make the final decision on the plans.