North Rocks Village development proposal back on Parramatta Council agenda

A contentious $850m development to bulk up a Sydney suburb with apartments has made a comeback, amid a push for councils to support major projects that ease the NSW housing crisis.

Parramatta Council has been a vocal opponent of the North Rocks Village proposal. Picture: Supplied

A renewed push to redevelop the former Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children site at North Rocks with hundreds of homes is back on the agenda after a series of setbacks, following community backlash about overdevelopment and traffic.

Developer EG Funds Management has submitted fresh plans for a slightly trimmed-down development of 925 dwellings at North Rocks Rd, where an aged care centre is proposed alongside apartment and townhouses.

The changes mean 155 fewer townhouses and apartments, with the latter reaching six storeys as per a planning panel’s recommendation.

Height has been “one of the most contentious issues” of the proposal among Parramatta Council staff.

Following negotiations with the council, EG has pledged more infrastructure including affordable housing, a full-sized oval with a pavilion, two multipurpose courts suitable for pickleball, a dog park, parking, a 1500sq m multipurpose facility and allocation for a bushland reserve.

A library is on the cards if the development gets the green light.

There’s also a plan to lease part of the facility to Little Big, a non-profit organisation that “connects communities and tackle the issue of loneliness”. It will have its services subsidised through the developer’s philanthropic fund.

EG first lodged plans to rezone 12 hectares of land from low to high-density residential.

Parramatta Council and the Sydney Central City Planning Panel rejected the proposal because of its size.

However, the panel last year supported a scaled-back proposal for 361-365 North Rocks Rd.

Planning Minister Paul Scully singled out the development as one that needed to be prioritised as part of a push to meet housing targets in NSW.

EG’s urban and community planning divisional director, David Workman, said after reviewing feedback, the project was refined to include improvements to roads and intersections, “respectful development” including lower heights of two to three storeys next to existing houses and better community facilities, such as a full-sized oval, “which sporting groups and local schools are crying out for”.

North Rocks is not accustomed to apartments.

He said the family-friendly housing included detached houses, townhouses and larger apartments with three and four bedrooms.

“EG is motivated by the chance to make a positive, lasting impact on the community,’’ Mr Workman said.

“We believe North Rocks Village strikes a thoughtful balance between much-needed housing and liveability, ensuring that it benefits the whole area.

“It is of a respectful scale, with buildings at or below the established tree canopy.

“This is truly an exemplary development that will add value to all residents.’’

But that might not be sufficient to allay community concerns about overdevelopment in the leafy suburb.

The masterplan includes townhouses and apartments at seven and eight.

Last year, the Sydney Central City Planning Panel spurned the project before reversing its decision and giving it approval.

The panel – the project’s planning authority – endorsed the development because of its potential to deliver affordable housing, dwellings for seniors, access to public transport and proximity to Parramatta.

The council is not the consenting authority but has been vocal in its opposition to North Rocks Village.

Councillor Georgina Valjak said the height was “always the most contentious issue with the proposal’’.

Georgina Valjak.

“After speaking with many residents who would love to downsize in North Rocks – where they have spent decades living – I supported council’s vision of a low scale two-to-three storey development on this site that would have blended in with the character of the surrounding R2 locality, and was disappointed the panel supported R4 zoning,’’ she said.

She added it was “critical” developers adhered to conditions the panel imposed about heights.

Cr Valjak disagreed about suitable public transport being available.

“Whilst traffic management will be considered at the development application stage, there is no doubt that the lack of transport infrastructure – such hard/light rail or metro – will lead to a worsening of traffic along North Rocks and Barclay roads,’’ she said.

“This is one of the reasons why R4 zoning at this location was never included in council’s strategic housing plan.’’

The council will consider the developer’s offer to provide more infrastructure and, if endorsed, it will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback, likely next year.

The Royal Deaf and Blind Society Institute vacated the NextSense-owned site at North Rocks Rd in 2018, when it sold for more than $100m.