Werrington subdivison: Planning Panel meets on large subdivision

Concerns have been raised about the wildlife which could be affected if a major subdivision planned for Werrington goes ahead.

A colony of kangaroos has been floated as a potential sticking point on $10.8 million plans to subdivide a large plot of land in Werrington.

A colony of kangaroos has been floated a major sticking point in an application to subdivide a large plot of land in Werrington.

However, representatives of Penrith Council and developer Lendlease say they have done all required to successfully rehome the animals.

The $10.8 million plans would see 265 new residential lots and 14 industrial lots built on a 28ha site west of Werrington Rd.

It would be bordered by Cobham Youth Justice Centre and Western Sydney University.

Wayne Olling, a representative of the Blacktown and District Environment Group, brought his roo-based concerns to the Sydney Western City Planning Panel in a virtual meeting on Friday.

“There has been a presence of kangaroos going back to WWII when there was a defence establishment to the west of the site,” he said.

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

“The proposed development takes away habitant and foraging space the kangaroos have used, and as such the development in its present form isn’t ecologically sustainable.

“You only need to sit on a train to see passengers lift their heads to look for the kangaroos – it’s a little bit of natural heritage they look for, and the natural life is a relief from the concrete, bitumen and brick covering western Sydney.”

Local resident Margaret McDonald said she felt her concerns about the development had been ignored.

“Our concerns about road congestion have been cast aside by people saying those who live there would either ride a bike or walk to the station,” she said.

“Most of those people will use their cars, adding pressure to local roads.

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

“The current congestion won’t be solved by a roundabout or an extra arterial road – it’s too big a development for an area already at capacity.”

Lendlease spokesman Paul Thompson said the company supported recommendations from Penrith Council.

“That includes commentary that touches on the concerns Wayne and Margaret have mentioned,” he said.

“(The development) will deliver in excess of $20 million of infrastructure across South Werrington, and see the creation of many jobs commencing next year as well as diverse and affordable housing in western Sydney.”

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

Kate Smith, a planner from Penrith Council, said the council’s consent conditions in fauna and vegetation management plans accounted for the kangaroos.

“This has been developed in accordance with zoning applying to the land,” she said. “There has been a consideration of a loss of some vegetation.

“We have assessed the roundabout will alleviate some congestion, and the east-west collector road will assist around Rance Rd.”

The Planning Panel will publish its decision within seven days.