Jordan Springs East: Penrith Council acts on land settlement issues

Penrith Council has moved to help future landowners in a western Sydney housing estate before they buy.

A house left abandoned on the corner of Armoury and Navy Rd, Jordan Springs. Armoury Rd was closed to traffic over the New Year period, and reopened in late January. Picture: AAP Image/Angelo Velardo.

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Future landowners in Jordan Springs East will be warned of land settlement issues in the area before they buy.

Last week Penrith Council resolved to “notate” several affected property certificates after a report commissioned by Lendlease revealed part of the estate may be constructed over poorly compacted bulk fill.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said the council had an obligation to give future owners information on any matters which may impact on their property.

“The notation on the s10.7(5) certificate informs property owners of the facts so they can act accordingly,” Mr Fowler said.

“The council will stand behind residents to maintain these standards by monitoring, observing and requesting appropriate certification information from developers to ensure compliance.”

Sandeep Kumar said he had to use more than two tonnes of soil to fix ground settlement issues on his property on Navy Rd. Picture: Richard Dobson

A council spokesman said the council initially took notice of the issue after land settlement issues near Armoury Rd late last year.

The Press reported in January that landowners in Jordan Springs East were fearful their properties were sinking, including Sandeep Kumar who used two tonnes of soil to fill sinkage below his driveway.

Lendlease later said almost 40 houses had been impacted by the land settlement.

“Since that time, a number of reports prepared by geotechnical consultants have identified areas where settlement has occurred which resulted in property or road damage,” the council spokesman said.

Cracks in the walls of a house near Armoury Rd, Jordan Springs East. Lendlease says the house is repairable, and the cracks shouldn't reappear.

Lendlease’s senior development manager, Kevin Montier, said the company had worked closely with council on the issue.

“We understand the council has issued letters to a number of residents at Jordan Springs East about a notation which relates to the settlement issues identified on and close to Armoury Road,” he said.

“This notation was issued by the council, independently of Lendlease’s process and investigations.

Ground settlement beneath a driveway on Navy Rd, just around the corner from a demolished house in Jordan Springs East. Picture: Supplied.

“Lendlease has kept the council informed about the settlement issues, the repairs to Armoury Rd and work with residents to carry out repairs to their houses.

“We have also informed the council that Lendlease is continuing to work with its customers in respect of any ongoing issues.”

Lendlease did not respond to the Press’ question as to whether they were concerned the council’s notation would impact land values in Jordan Springs East, but would only say it was continuing to undertake proactive geotechnical engineering investigations.

“Once the geotechnical investigations have concluded, Lendlease will discuss with council whether the notations should remain,” he said.

The site where a house was demolished near Armoury Rd in December due to ground settlement issues. Picture: AAP Image/Angelo Velardo

“Lendlease is committed to ensuring that our work at Jordan Springs East is of the appropriate standard.

“We are therefore keen to continue working with council and owners to deliver effective outcomes for our customers.”

The council said any resident who is concerned about land settlement should contact Lendlease for further information.