Plan to discuss units near Parramatta Female Factory withdrawn

A plan to build more than 370 units close to a heritage listed North Parramatta landmark has been withdrawn from the agenda of a public meeting, leaving questions hanging about the development.

A bid is under way for the Parramatta Female Factory to gain World Heritage status.

Parramatta councillors were denied the chance to debate a planning proposal for an apartment complex near the historic Parramatta Female Factory after the item was suddenly withdrawn from the agenda just before Monday night’s meeting.

Heritage groups including the Parramatta Female Factory Friends have opposed the project to build more than 370 units at the corner of Albert and O’Connell streets, fearing it will compromise the bid for the historic landmark to gain UNESCO heritage listing.

The project comprises three blocks ranging from 30m to 77m (22 storeys) and is close to the national heritage listed sandstone factory, which is more than 200 years old and was once a prison, workhouse and hospital for female convicts who arrived in Sydney in the 1820s and 1830s without a job or a husband.

Women endured harsh conditions and often severe punishment.

Just under two hours before the Parramatta Council meeting, councillors were notified the item was withdrawn after the developers Ceerose, also known as the applicant Peterose, issued a rezoning review with the state government.

The history-rich Parramatta Female Factory.

The Sydney Central City Planning Panel is now going to consider the proposal.

But many are disappointed it could not be discussed with the council, even though it is not the consent authority.

“It’s concerning that the planning proposal for 31 O’Connell St was pulled from the council’s agenda an hour before the meeting,’’ Parramatta heritage advocate Suzette Meade said.

“It appears as though the state government is fast tracking the developer’s approval for rezoning despite the calls for heritage impacts to be assessed by relevant bodies before it progresses further.’’

Independent councillor Kellie Darley echoed the comments and was planning to request a report from an organisation that assesses World Heritage listings so councillors could “be aware of the implications”.

“At the moment no one’s really clear what the impact will be,’’ she said.

“It’s a waste for the developer as well, and they’re operating in good faith.

Artist's impression of a proposed apartment complex for 31 O’Connell St and 9 Albert St North Parramatta, near the Parramatta Female Factory.

“I just felt that we need to consider that rather than continuing down the track and wasting more money later on. We just need the advice.’’

Parramatta federal MP Andrew Charlton has also objected to the development so close to the factory.

“I’m not against more density in Parramatta but we should put it a block away in Church St where Vinnies is and the Petbarn is – that would be a perfect place ripe for good quality redevelopment but no one’s made the change to enable that to occur,’’ he said.

The Planning Department will have the ultimate say on the proposal.

However, Mr Charlton said council discussions “has an impact on the outcome to the extent the planning panel has community views”.

This week, Housing Now! Alliance chair David Borger questioned Planning Minister Paul Scully about the O’Connell St proposal during a housing affordability forum at Parramatta Square.

Mr Borger told Mr Scully while “everyone wanted to see” heritage preserved the site had ample opportunity for housing particularly with the light rail and university planned for the site.

Mr Borger is a director of Think Planners, a town planning consultancy firm that has prepared reports for Peterrose into the O’Connell St development.

He said he was not involved with Think Planners for the O’Connell St development but raised it at the forum because heritage and housing were topical.

“There is a whole precinct around Fleet St so I think it’s an interesting discussion around the need for housing,’’ he said.

Think Planners’ Adam Byrne was approached for comment.