23 Forest Grove Epping NSW 2121

This application should be rejected as it is based on incorrect facts.
I live in one of the other six newly constructed blocks of units on the eastern side of Forest Grove and all six of these blocks have had underground power connections installed. The only buildings still connected to the overhead power lines on the eastern side of Forest Grove still connected to the overhead power are two old houses at No. 19 and No. 21 and presumably these will be replaced by a new block of units soon.

That will leave only the older blocks of units on the western side of Forest Grove still connected to the overhead power lines. These are all located at the bottom end of the street, south of Forest Park - hopefully they too will be serviced by underground power in due course with the result that it will be possible to remove the overhead power lines from Forest Grove entirely.

I’m have to say that this application by the developer of 23-25 Forest Grove is a blatant “try on” and should be rejected.

This application is nonsense:

(1) The reason stated for the application is a claim that this is the only development with the underground power requirement (though I see this has been disputed). Surely the reason the applicant wants the change is not so this development is the same as others - why would the company care? I would suggest that the reason (as opposed to the claimed justification) is that the developer wants to save some money.

(2) The Statement of Environmental Effects is no such thing. It simply reiterates the same "reason". It does not mention the unsightly visual impact of overhead cables or the increased vulnerability of overhead power to vehicle impact or lightning etc.

But then, I'm presuming the developer doesn't live nearby, so why worry about the residents in the area who would have to live with it after the profits are in the bank?

Hi All, you are actually best putting this in a submission to Council, despite what planning alerts says, many Councils do not allow this website to send in submissions to the actual council due to so many of the submissions being generated are merely comments about applications and ideas on what Council can do...

I am not able to access very much information about this application in spite of contacting the Council twice as well as Ausgrid on several occasions. Information is yet to be loaded into the Council's website. Given the limited information I have I support this DA.

An electrician for the developer dug a large hole, breaking a telecommunications cable on our property, without our knowledge or consent for their access to the property, in preparation to install a private power pole. It would appear the installation of an underground electricity system by 23-25 Forest Grove will result in some neighbouring properties requiring private power poles. This means trees will need to be removed to make way for the poles and owners will become responsible for the ongoing maintenance costs and liabilities of these poles. It will also possibly make our properties less attractive and safe with wires running across the frontage of the properties. I acknowledge I am stating these things based on very little information as both Ausgrid and Council have only provided very limited information.

In saying this if keeping the wires above ground will save trees and prevent the need to install private power poles in neighbouring properties then I support it.

It is unfortunate the Parramatta Local Planning Panel was not able to make a determination on this in time to save Forest Grove's streetscape. It is regrettable the Panel did not follow the Council staffs' recommendations. The developer will progress with the original requirements. On Monday 28 May power lines will be strung diagonally across a large portion of Forest Grove (at the lower end). No other street in Epping appears to have this. It may also limit future street tree planting. Residents are hoping no trees will need removal or severe pruning. 10 Forest Grove will inherit the liabilities of having a private power pole in their property. All this must be done just so the wires between two power poles in front of 23-25 Forest Grove can go underground.
Thank you very much to Council staff for trying to stop this from happening. Let's hope the electrician can install the private pole safely as there is limited space to dig for this and the wires will have a very long way to stretch to reach it.