Werrington: Planned housing estate gets tick of approval

A western Sydney planning panel has handed down its decision on a planned housing estate near the Western Sydney University despite concerns about wildlife.

An artist's impression of what a proposed housing estate in Werrington could look like. Picture: Supplied

A staged subdivision planned for a large plot of land north of the Great Western Highway in Werrington has cleared another hurdle after the Sydney Western City Planning Panel gave it the tick of approval.

Developer Lendlease lodged $10.8 million plans with Penrith Council in 2019 to build 265 new residential lots and 14 industrial lots on a 28ha site west of Werrington Rd.

Lendlease plans to develop a residential estate with 265 residential lots in Werrington. Picture: Supplied.

The site is also bordered by Cobham Youth Justice Centre and Western Sydney University.

During a meeting on December 18 last year, the Planning Panel heard concerns from the Blacktown and District Environment Group about a group of kangaroos that had lived on the site since WWII.

It also heard concerns from a local resident about the impact increased traffic would have on surrounding areas.

The panel approved the plans while adopting several conditions from the council assessment report, including a requirement to complete a proposed roundabout before the issuing of a subdivision certificate and a bushfire management plan for public spaces.

An artist's impression of what a proposed housing estate in Werrington could look like. Picture: Supplied

“The panel is satisfied that biodiversity impacts have been appropriately assessed and will be appropriately managed through the vegetation management plan,” the panel said in its official determination and statement of reasons.

“(The proposal) is consistent with the zoning and strategic intent for the precinct and will ultimately provide a supply of housing and employment lands while also protecting identified areas of Cumberland Plain Woodland.

Some of the land in Werrington that will be redeveloped into a residential estate.

“It is in the public interest as it provides new housing and employment opportunities and major social and economic benefits.”

The panel also noted concerns about traffic, but said it was “ultimately a matter for Transport for NSW” and not something to be dealt with through the application.

Lendlease did not provide a specific statement, but said it “welcomed the decision” of the Sydney Western City Planning Panel.

The Blacktown and District Environmental Group was contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, a controversial cemetery development planned for Wallacia is still in limbo after the planning panel postponed a meeting until February 17.