Kingswood’s ongoing battle with boarding house developments has been delivered a fresh twist, with Penrith City Council rejecting an application for a new development on Walter Street.
Skyline Architects had submitted a Development Application to Penrith City Council to demolish two houses on Walter Street and build a two-storey co-living housing development with 29 self-contained units.
“The provision of the development is a successful balance between economic, social, and environmental pressures as the land as existing provides adequate space, configuration and orientation for increased residential density within the locale,” the applicant said in the application.
“The co-living housing development will make a significant contribution to the various dwelling types within the locale, resulting in varied and eclectic housing choices. The increase in housing stock of this nature will meet the day to day needs of local residents by providing affordable housing within the locale, thus supporting economic growth.”
The application said that due to the nature of the accommodation and location of the site, the proposed development was likely to result in only a minor increase in traffic which can be catered for by the existing road network, whilst parking in accordance with the requirements of ARH SEPP would be provided.
“The site is also highly accessible to a range of public transport services and an extensive footpath and cycleway network to reduce dependency on motor vehicles for future residents,” it said.
However, Penrith City Council has refused the proposal – saying the application was inconsistent with a number of Environmental Planning Instruments.
The proposal was knocked back on the basis that it did not “enhance the essential character and identity of established residential areas”.
Council also determined that the proposal has not adequately addressed flooding, incorporated principles of sustainable development or taken measures to ensure outdoor spaces are thermally comfortable.
In the determination notice, Council said the application is “not satisfactory” in a verdict likely to be welcomed by most residents in the surrounding area.
“The proposal affords a substandard level of amenity for future occupants, stemming from spatial arrangement, contrived internal configuration, privacy conflicts between private rooms and communal areas, and insufficient room sizes,” the Council said.
Makayla Muscat
Formerly with the ABC, Makayla is a graduate of Western Sydney University. She covers a variety of news topics for the Weekender, including courts.