Developer plans to build 20-storey towers at Garthowen Cresent, Castle Hill

TWO towers up to 20 storeys tall could be built in Castle Hill, next to the heritage listed Garthowen House.

Artist's impression of the proposed development, looking northeast from Garthowen Crescent. Source: Caladines Town Planning.

TWO towers up to 20 storeys tall could be built in Castle Hill, next to the heritage listed Garthowen House.

A planning proposal has been lodged with The Hills Shire Council seeking approval to build two residential flat buildings containing 268 apartments at 6-10 and 16-20 Garthowen Cres.

The site is within 400m — or a five-minute walk — to the Castle Hill town centre and the under-construction Castle Hill train station.

“The site is optimally located to accommodate the proposed high density residential development,” the report said.

“The planning proposal will positively contribute to the state planning strategic goals of providing high density housing opportunities in areas with access to existing facilities and services.”

The 5436sq m site is currently home to six residential properties and is zoned for medium density housing no higher than 9m.

Developer HCM Building Pty Ltd is proposing the council change the zoning to high density residential and increase the building height to 68m.

The proposed heights and density is consistent with the state government’s plan for Castle Hill, which shows 7-20 storeys on the site.

It is also similar in height to the approved residential flat buildings on Pennant St and the under-construction towers on Crane Rd.

However, it is not supported by the council’s draft strategy for Castle Hill, which earmarks the site for residential development between four and eight storeys tall.

“While we recognise the proposal is inconsistent with council’s adopted structure plan, the planning proposal provides an alternate scheme that better responds to all regional and subregional planning strategies,” the report said.

“This approach ensures that large, high density residential development sites will not be lost within a major centre environment.”

The planning proposal includes setbacks from neighbouring residents and the childcare centre located in the heritage listed Garthowen Place, although it does not specify what those setbacks are.

There will also be a “generous communal open space”.

According to the report, the proposed development would have a number of benefits including increasing housing supply and choice close to the town centre, and supporting the future railway station and expanding business centre.

“In terms of social planning, the preferred development concept would include the potential for apartments with a mix of dwelling sizes to accommodate a range of housing needs and household incomes,” it said.