Camden Council has formally objected to the NSW Government’s proposal to build a six-storey social and affordable housing development opposite Camden Hospital.
At its Ordinary Meeting last night, Council endorsed a formal submission objecting to the State Significant Development Application for 72 and 82-86 Menangle Road in Camden, which proposes two residential flat buildings containing 95 social and affordable housing apartments.
The Council’s objection follows a detailed assessment of the proposal and the Environmental Impact Statement, as well as a public meeting held at Camden Civic Centre on 17 August, which provided an opportunity for the community to voice its concerns.
Council’s submission opposing the proposal cites significant concerns, including the proposal’s excessive height, bulk and scale, impacts on local character and amenity, traffic and parking impacts, flooding and evacuation risks, heritage considerations and the suitability of the site for social and affordable housing.
Council also raised concerns about the proposed rezoning of the site from SP2 Infrastructure (Hospital) to R3 Medium Density Residential, which could constrain logical opportunities for the future expansion of Camden Hospital.
A Camden Council spokesperson said Council had consistently opposed the application of the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms on the Camden Town Centre.
“Council agrees with the concerns raised by our community about this proposal. This particular site is simply not suitable for a six-storey development of 95 apartments. It is in a heritage conservation area, is affected by flooding, has limited access to shops and services and the proposal is completely out of character with the surrounding streetscape.
“We also have serious concerns about the loss of a strategic opportunity to expand on the limited clinical services available at Camden Hospital while Camden and the Macarthur region are growing faster than any other part of Sydney and without the appropriate number of Hospital beds and public health care services. Parking associated with Camden Hospital is another key issue, this will be compounded by the inadequate parking proposed for the development which will further impact surrounding streets.
“This is not about opposing social and affordable housing. Camden needs housing that is appropriate, well-located and supported by the infrastructure and services our growing community requires. Our community deserves better than having a major development imposed on a site that Council and residents have repeatedly identified as unsuitable.
“Council is continuing to investigate alternative government-owned sites across Camden that could provide the housing outcomes the State Government is seeking without compromising the character, amenity and future infrastructure needs of our community.”
Council is supportive of growth that is well-planned, appropriately located and supported by the infrastructure our community needs. Council will continue to advocate for place-based planning that respects Camden’s unique character and heritage while supporting thriving, connected and liveable communities.
