SUBMISSION & PETITION IN OPPOSITION

Proposed High-Density Development :12 Walker Street, Werrington (PDA-86312458)

State Significant Development Application

To: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Cc: Penrith City Council

Location: Werrington

1.      Introduction

I write to formally object to the proposed 800 units apartment development known as “Settlers Cour’’ at 12 Walker Street, Werrington 2747. (Individual). or,

We, the undersigned residents of Werrington and surrounding suburbs, formally object to the proposed large-scale residential development at 12 Walker Street, commonly referred to as “Settlers Court.”

While the strategic objective of increasing housing supply across Western Sydney is acknowledged, growth must be orderly, infrastructure-led, and consistent with established planning principles. This proposal, in its current form, is excessive in scale and density and fails to demonstrate that the existing transport network, education facilities, and local infrastructure can sustainably accommodate development of this magnitude.

We respectfully request refusal of the proposal in its current form, or alternatively, a substantial reduction in scale to ensure alignment with infrastructure capacity and established neighbourhood character.

2. Excessive Scale, Height and Incompatibility with Established Character.

The proposal seeks approval for a high-density complex comprising multiple residential buildings ranging between approximately 6 and 18 storeys, delivering between 600 and 800 apartments and introducing well over 1,000 additional residents into an established low-rise suburban setting.

In particular, the introduction of seven buildings ranging from six to eighteen storeys represents a substantial departure from the prevailing built form. Werrington is characterised predominantly by:

·         Detached single-storey dwellings

·         Low-density residential allotments

·         Two-storey townhouses

Such a scale of development is inconsistent with the established suburban character that currently defines the neighbourhood.

This level of intensification is likely to have significant impacts on surrounding properties, including:

·         Visual bulk and overshadowing

·         Reduction in solar access and residential amenity

·         Loss of privacy

·         Permanent alteration of the streetscape character

Additionally, many residents have only recently purchased homes in reliance upon the existing low-density character and amenity of the area. Homeowners have invested substantial financial resources based on reasonable expectations of neighborhood stability. A development of this magnitude may adversely affect residential amenity and could potentially place downward pressure on property values.

Careful consideration must therefore be given to the proposal’s scale, height, and compatibility to ensure it protects the legitimate expectations of existing residents and maintains planning integrity.

Urban consolidation must be strategic and context-sensitive. This proposal represents over-intensification rather than balanced, infrastructure supported growth.

3. Traffic and Road Network Impacts.

Werrington Road is the primary east–west arterial route servicing Werrington, linking residents to the Great Western Highway and the M4 Motorway corridor. It currently experiences:

·         Peak-hour congestion in both directions

·         Significant delays at key intersections

·         School zone traffic surges

·         Regular queuing near Werrington railway station

An 800-unit development is conservatively expected to generate approximately 6–8 vehicle movements per dwelling per day, equating to:

·         4,800–6,400 additional daily vehicle trips

·         In excess of 500 additional peak-hour trips

Western Sydney remains highly car dependent. Proximity to rail infrastructure does not eliminate private vehicle ownership, and census data confirms high car ownership levels within the Penrith LGA.

There is no publicly available, independently verified traffic modelling demonstrating that Werrington Road and surrounding intersections can absorb this additional demand without:

·         Severe congestion

·         Reduced road safety

·         Increased travel times

·         Impaired emergency vehicle access

Approval without funded and committed road upgrades would transfer infrastructure risk onto the existing community.

4. Parking Deficiency and Local Amenity.

The proposal provides parking for only approximately 40–60% of dwellings. This significant shortfall is likely to result in:

·         Overflow parking onto narrow residential streets

·         Increased congestion and safety concerns

·         Reduced amenity for existing residents

The local road network was not designed to accommodate overflow parking associated with mid- to high-rise developments of this scale.

5. Cumulative Development Impacts – Werrington and Caddens.

The broader Werrington–Caddens precinct has already undergone substantial residential expansion, including medium-density growth and university related activity associated with Western Sydney University.

Previous large scale development proposals in Caddens have generated significant community concern due to:

·         Overdevelopment

·         Traffic congestion

·         Infrastructure lag

·         Incompatibility with established character

The cumulative impact of existing approvals must be rigorously assessed before an additional 600–800 dwellings are introduced into this locality.

6. Impact on Local Schools and Educational Infrastructure.

The development falls within the catchment of Claremont Meadows Public School and will increase demand on nearby schools including:

·         Werrington Public School

·         Cambridge Park High School

Based on standard demographic yield assumptions, the development could generate between 150–250 additional school-aged children.

There is currently no confirmed evidence of:

·         Funded classroom expansions

·         Approved school capacity upgrades

·         Adequate school-zone traffic mitigation measures

Without binding infrastructure commitments, the proposal risks overcrowding and reduced educational amenity.

7. Infrastructure Sequencing and Planning Integrity.

The scoping documentation references minimal environmental constraints and accelerated delivery timeframes. However, environmental suitability does not equate to infrastructure readiness.

Prior to any approval, the following should be clearly demonstrated:

·         Independent traffic modelling confirming acceptable road network performance

·         Fully funded and scheduled road upgrades

·         Confirmed school expansion funding or demonstrated spare capacity

·         Public transport capacity assessment

·         Comprehensive cumulative impact analysis

Absent these safeguards, approval would be premature and inconsistent with orderly planning principles.

8. Affordable Housing Provision.

While the allocation of approximately 15% affordable housing is acknowledged and supported in principle, this component does not justify excessive height and density where infrastructure capacity has not been demonstrated.

Affordable housing objectives must be balanced against infrastructure capability, planning consistency, and protection of established residential amenity.

9.Flood Risk to Schools and Families.

The site sits within the College, Orth and Werrington Creeks catchment, an area already vulnerable to overland flooding.

Nearby schools including Kurrambee School, Wollemi College, and Penrith Valley Primary School face existing access challenges during heavy rain.

·         Kurrambee School supports students with complex needs, where evacuation during flood events is already sensitive and logistically challenging.

·         Increasing density by 800 dwellings will significantly increase stormwater runoff from concrete and roofing surfaces, worsening flood impacts and access risks.

Approving this scale of development without comprehensive cumulative flood modelling is irresponsible.

10.Road Network at Breaking Point.

Local infrastructure cannot absorb this increase.

·         The Kingsway bridge over South Creek is a known flood vulnerability and critical transport link.

·         The Rance Road and Werrington Road intersection is already congested during peak hours.

·         An estimated 1,200+ additional daily vehicle movements will push the Kingsway/St Marys corridor into gridlock.

Increased traffic will create serious safety risks for:

·         Students walking to nearby schools

·         Residents accessing Werrington railway station

·         Emergency services navigating residential streets

11. Infrastructure Must Come First.

The long-promised Werrington Arterial Stage 2 remains incomplete. Without it, quiet residential streets will become permanent high-traffic bypass routes.

 Chrish Minns, the NSW premier publicly said that the high-density approvals should not proceed before essential infrastructure is delivered.

We therefore respectfully call upon the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and Penrith City Council to refuse the proposal in its current form or,

Require a substantial reduction in height, density, and yield to ensure alignment with infrastructure capacity and community expectations.

We urge decision-makers to act in the long-term public interest and protect the liveability, safety, and character of Werrington.

This is not opposition to growth.

It is a call for responsible, infrastructure-first planning that protects our schools, families, and community safety.

 

Sincerely yours,