37 Great Western Highway, Kingswood NSW 2747

Demolition of Existing Structures and Construction of a 12 Room Boarding House

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We found this application for you on the planning authority's website ago. It was received by them earlier.

(Source: Penrith City Council, reference DA19/0535)

1 Comment

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  1. Rosetta commented

    Please be advised of the objections held by our household with regard to this proposal:
    1. Over Supply of Community and Boarding House Facilities within Kingswood
    We believe that there is an existing over-supply of boarding houses within the Kingswood area and do not agree that an additional boarding house will help alleviate the issue of low cost housing across Sydney region..
    Of particular concern are the 200 or so existing unlicensed boarding houses (of approximately 455 or so in NSW), most of which are reportedly mismanaged and with ongoing concerns. We feel that Council should address these issues and provide ongoing targeted assistance for residents of boarding houses, before introducing additional boarding houses to the area.
    We consider that low cost housing for vulnerable people is a matter for all Municipalities, given the burden that it has on the existing community. As indicated below, there are significant concerns that need to be addressed with the current boarding house crisis, rather than exacerbating an already grossly inadequate situation.
    2. Impact of Proposed Boarding House on Community
    An additional boarding house in the area will have significant repercussions for the existing local community.
    Great Western Highway and surrounding streets have a number of government and boarding house accommodation facilities. There have been significant issues surrounding criminal activity, domestic violence and drug/ alcohol abuse, resulting in numerous police and ambulance attendances. Our concern is that an additional and inadequately supported boarding house will further disrupt the community which consists mainly of young families and elderly residents.
    Beyond the very real threat to community cohesion, a boarding house, which purports to house up to 20 residents will no doubt result in increased traffic in an already congested street, increased noise and loitering at all hours of the day and night. It will also result in a de-valuation of properties in the street, given the stigma and problems which generally attach to boarding houses.
    3. Impact of Boarding House Residents
    It is well documented that boarding houses have traditionally provided transient and inadequate accommodation for people of lower socio-economic backgrounds, with mental & intellectual disabilities and/or or drug and alcohol issues, elderly males and ex-prisoners, without adequate social support systems.
    Sub- standard living conditions, neglect, physical & sexual assault, compromised safety, health and well being of boarding house residents have not been uncommon complaints for residents. A chronic lack of adequate social services to meet the needs of these people has meant that their basic human rights have been neglected.
    Despite well intention initiatives by governments and Council to address some of these problems, it is our understanding that proposed legislative reforms, only go so far, and do not address the crucial issue of appropriate support services for these people.
    This is concerning and raises questions about how well managed this proposed boarding house will be, particularly on the ‘’spend’’ for expertise staffing, should the application be approved.
    Beyond a new building, we feel that there are insufficient checks and oversight requirements to guarantee the protection of its residents and the existing surrounding community for such a proposal to proceed.
    Should a change to the existing approval be desired by the applicant, we request that Council impose the required Council process, which would include community consultation.
    For the reasons mentioned above, we object to the applicant’s proposal of subdividing the proposed development site and building a boarding house.

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