The Parramatta Road corridor is now a State significant development area and currently under review by Planning NSW. This site falls in that location. Based on previous media reports, significant and well over-due changes are anticipated for the corridor.
I welcome the redevelopment of the area and additional housing. But how will this building fit in with the State government's upcoming plans?
We know the Crystal St, Parramatta Rd and Norton St intersection is a mess and has been flagged for realignment for decades.
We also know the Leichhardt section of Parramatta Road is a bottleneck, going from three lanes to two. Last year, the Sydney Morning Herald reported plans to widen Parramatta Road to facilitate a rapid transport solution. Widening in this area would impact this site.
While the proposed building has merit, it occupies a key location on the corner of Parramatta Rd and Crystal St. Should it go ahead, it may block the broader Parramatta Road corridor plans from proceeding to their full potential.
Inner West Council: please urgently seek clarity from Planning NSW before approving this development application. There are broader implications should this DA be approved, and impacts for the entire district.
Thanks,
Ben
