Department of Housing Concept Plan - 63-77 West Parade, West Ryde

Friday, 23 October 2009

City Of Ryde Council has raised its concerns regarding a proposed Department of Housing development at 63-77 West Parade, West Ryde.  The proposal, which is currently only at concept plan stage, involves the erection of a mixed use development containing 142 residential units, commercial and retail development and the provision of approximately 86 car spaces. 

The concept proposal consists of 4 towers of between 4 and 11 storeys sitting on a 2 storey podium with a basement car park below.  Approximately half of the units will be dedicated to social housing, the rest are intended for the private market.

The City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Michael Butterworth stated that Council’s concerns include the overall size and height of the proposed towers, the lack of parking spaces, the need for community consultation, and the failure of the proposal to meet a number of key planning requirements such as set-backs, building separation and solar access.

He added:  “It is Council’s preference that the Department of Housing meet its obligations of $1.5 million in development contributions which Council would like to invest in community infrastructure to offset the impact of the new residents should the development proceed.”

The concept plan for the development will be determined by the Minister for Planning under Part 3A of the Environment and Planning Assessment Act as a ‘major project’.  City of Ryde Council resolved on 20 October to highlight the imposition of the 3A legislation and appeal to the NSW Planning Minister to reject the application in its current form.  Details of the proposal can be obtained from the Department of Planning website.