Emu Plains apartment block: $2.5m, 16-unit apartment block revealed for Great Western Hwy

Plans for a 16-unit apartment building at the foot of the Blue Mountains has been revealed for an unused commercial site. See the plans and have your say.

A multimillion-dollar plan for 16 apartments — ranging from one, to three-bedrooms — in Emu Plains has been revealed.

The development application, submitted by Norside Investments to Penrith Council last month, proposes the construction of the $2.5 million proposal two storey residential housing and basement parking for a former real estate site at 265 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains.

Supplied Editorial 265 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains.

A planner for the proposal forecast the “demolition of all existing structures on the land and the construction of a Multi Dwelling Housing development consisting of 16 units within four

detached building modules over basement carparking, private and communal open space”.

A total of seven units will be three-bedroom, a further five two-bed and remaining four single-bedroom apartments.

“The maximum building height prescribed for the site under Council’s height of buildings map is 8.5m,” the planner said. “The existing building on the land is not listed as a heritage item nor is the site located within a heritage conservation area.

“The site is located within the vicinity of three local heritage items to the west.”

Supplied Editorial 265 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains.

The planner argued the site was “suitable” for a multi-dwelling housing development as it would “improve safety in the surrounding neighbourhood by increasing the population, which will generate greater passive surveillance over the public and private domains.

“The site is located within a short walk of excellent public amenities and services, including a

local neighbourhood shopping centre east of the site and a childcare centre west of the site,” the planner said.

Supplied Editorial 265 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains.

“The proposal responds well to its transitional neighbourhood context, by providing the City of Penrith with new medium density housing stock that can better utilize the excellent public amenities and services on offer in this neighbourhood.”