MAJOR changes have been announced by aged care provider SummitCare to their 2574sq m, 266-bed residential centre planned for Baulkham Hills.
The new plans will be unveiled at a community information session tomorrow (Wednesday, August 24) at Castle Hill RSL, from 5pm to 8pm.
This comes after residents of Bass Drive and surrounding areas gained more than 550 signatures opposing the development.
Issues surrounded:
* Parking and congestion;
* The building height made residents concerned about privacy;
* Power, water, sewage and drainage were big issues. Residents feel that they are already on the brink of being under-serviced;
* Child safety: expected traffic increases worry parents;
* Noise and light pollution.
SummitCare CEO Cynthia Payne said major changes had been made to the proposal following feedback from local residents.
“We’ve increased the number of onsite parking spaces from 59 to 96, so there will be plenty of parking for staff, services, visitors and residents within the site, no one will need to park in Bass Drive or Flinders Avenue.”
All staff vehicles will be restricted to the entry and exit on Seven Hills Road, which will they believe dramatically reduce traffic on the surrounding residential streets.
Mrs Payne said extra landscaping had been provided by pulling the buildings further back from the Bass Drive frontage and all building heights had been reduced by one metre across the site.
“We have listened and we have responded and I look forward to discussing our new plans with the community.”
Cr Michelle Byrne, who tabled the original petition to council said the changes are a step in the right direction.
She said, “the applicant, in fairness, has attempted to accommodate the concerns of the residents particularly in regards to height, parking and traffic issues. I look forward to hearing the residents response to the new proposal and whether or not the changes go far enough in relieving their concerns.”
For more information
A project website has been set up to provide easy information online at www.summitcare.com.au
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