Camden Council has formally objected to plans for a six-storey social and affordable housing development opposite Camden Hospital, warning the site is unsuitable and could jeopardise the hospital’s future expansion.
The State Significant Development proposal for 72 and 82-86 Menangle Road would deliver two residential buildings containing 95 apartments.
“This particular site is simply not suitable for a six-storey development of 95 apartments,” a Camden Council spokesperson said.
Council endorsed its formal objection following an assessment of the proposal and Environmental Impact Statement, as well as a public meeting at Camden Civic Centre on August 17 where residents raised concerns.
Among Council’s objections are the development’s height, bulk and scale, its impact on Camden’s heritage character, traffic and parking pressures, flooding and evacuation risks and access to shops and services.
But a major concern is the proposed rezoning of the land from SP2 Infrastructure (Hospital) to R3 Medium Density Residential, potentially closing off an important option for the future expansion of Camden Hospital.
“We also have serious concerns about the loss of a strategic opportunity to expand on the limited clinical services available at Camden Hospital while Camden and the Macarthur region are growing faster than any other part of Sydney and without the appropriate number of Hospital beds and public health care services,” the spokesperson said.
Council also fears inadequate parking within the proposed development would add further pressure to streets already affected by hospital parking.
It stressed its objection was about the location — not social housing itself.
“This is not about opposing social and affordable housing. Camden needs housing that is appropriate, well-located and supported by the infrastructure and services our growing community requires,” the spokesperson said.
Council is now investigating alternative government-owned sites across Camden which it says could accommodate housing without compromising the town’s heritage, amenity or future infrastructure needs.
