150 Epping Rd Development Concept Approved

The NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) has approved a development concept consisting of 400 residential apartments, retail, commerical and community space, in a combination of six buildings including a 20 storey tower block at 150 Epping Rd.

The development is on the site of the Shell Petrol station on Epping Rd in the Lane Cove West Industrial Precinct.

Local residents groups, environmental groups and Lane Cove Council objected to the development due to the building height and design being out of character with Lane Cove, impacts on bushland and native flora and fauna, traffic issues, bushfire risks, and the lack of assessment of the local infrastructure to support a development of this size. Representatives from these groups spoke at a public hearing in June 2012.

Following this public meeting the PAC followed up some of the issues raised at the public meeting and sought input from the Rural Fire Service.  Subsequent amendments were made to the building designs to meet required Asset Protection Zones to minimise bushfire risk and impacts on the the local environment including flora and fauna.

The PAC has released at report date 14 August 2012, noting it is satsifed the Concept Plan for the 150 Epping Rd development should be approved subject to strict compliance with State Environmental Policy – Design Quality of Residential Flat Development (SEP  65) and subject to further assessment requirements for each project or DA submitted under the Concept Plan.

To read the full PAC’s report click here http://www.pac.nsw.gov.au/tabid/60/ctl/viewreview/mid/376/pac/221/view/readonly/myctl/rev/Default.aspx