BaptistCare Macquarie Park Masterplan

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing as a neighbouring resident of the proposed BaptistCare Macquarie Park Masterplan site, and I am submitting this letter in the strongest possible opposition to the amended application for this project.

Since our residence directly faces the development location, and is only 14 storeys high at most, this proposal, which includes the construction of twelve towers ranging from 13 to 25 storeys, is entirely unacceptable. The development will:

1. Completely obstruct our open northern views of National Park.

2. Rob us of natural sunlight — As a north-facing residence, sunlight is critical to our wellbeing and living standards. The construction of a shocking number of twelve high-rise towers directly opposite will cast permanent shadows over our property.

3. Violate our privacy — The proximity and height of the proposed towers will result in direct line-of-sight into our home. We will no longer be able to live comfortably or securely in our own home. This is an unacceptable intrusion of our personal space and is completely inappropriate in a residential context.

It is evident that no meaningful consideration has been given to the impact on existing residents. The scale of this project is grossly disproportionate to the character of the area and demonstrates a shocking disregard for the community that already lives here.

We settled into our apartment less than a year ago, in a building that had only just been completed. Like many families, we poured our life savings into this home—after years of stress and navigating Sydney’s brutal housing market. One of the main reasons we chose this property was its north-facing orientation and open, uninterrupted view offering sunlight, space, and a sense of freedom.

Now, that’s being ripped away from us.

This development would place towering buildings right in front of us, obliterating the very things we moved here for. And we’re not alone—for virtually every household in our building, this is a shared betrayal. What was meant to be a long-term home has been turned into a looming uncertainty. It’s more than disappointment—it’s a gut-wrenching blow to working families who thought they had finally found stability. Our homes will lose value. Our children will lose light, space and openness.

This is not planning — this is overdevelopment. It prioritises density and profit over liveability and dignity.
I urge the Department to reject this amended proposal outright. The community deserves better than to be walled in by high-rises and robbed of light, air, and privacy.

Your sincerely.

Dear Team,
I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed redevelopment project Baptistcare Carlingford Seniors Housing. While I acknowledge the need for urban development, this proposal raises serious concerns regarding its suitability and impact on the surrounding community.

1. Overdevelopment and Excessive Density
The proposal introduces an excessive number of buildings within a limited space. The scale and density are not appropriate for this area. The design feels overcrowded and will significantly alter the character of the neighbourhood.

2. Height, Overshadowing and Privacy Loss
The proposed buildings are too tall and will cast long shadows over nearby properties, reducing natural sunlight and creating a sense of enclosure. The development will also severely impact the privacy of neighbouring residents due to the height and proximity of the structures.

3. Traffic Congestion and Safety Concerns
The location is already affected by significant traffic, especially during morning and evening peak hours. With Macquarie University nearby and major roads such as Epping Road in the vicinity, adding high-density residential and commercial facilities will put further pressure on local traffic, creating congestion and reducing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

4. Unsuitability for Surrounding Institutions
This neighbourhood includes not only existing seniors’ housing but also proximity to Macquarie University. The peaceful and secure environment that seniors and students rely on will be disrupted by the scale and nature of the new development. It is neither quiet nor low-impact, making it inappropriate for such a sensitive area.

5. Noise and Amenity Impact
Introducing commercial components and high-density residences will inevitably increase noise and activity levels in an area currently valued for its calm and residential atmosphere. This goes against the expectations of both current residents and aged care residents who deserve a peaceful environment.

In light of the above, I respectfully urge you to reconsider or significantly revise the current plan. Development should be balanced and sensitive to the existing community, not driven by density at the expense of liveability.

Yours sincerely,
Leo

Hi. I'm writing to object this project plan.

Apart from additional traffic and impact on the environment, the construction of this plan would make a lot of noise for the residents of the buildings nearby! Our windows are already thin and not soundproof, and other sources of noise (e.g. leaf blowers) cause us headache every day. We can't tolerate more noise around 5-6AM every day as a result of this construction, for a couple of years to finish!

We haven't been able to sleep properly since we came to Australia! Every suburb and apartment we have lived in lacked sound-proofing standards and this has negatively impacted our personal health and work (many people still work from home including us). We might end up consulting with a doctor to reduce the level of pressure on our body and mind.

Thank you.

Please refer to my letter in the attachment.

I am writing to express my serious objection to the proposed BaptistCare Macquarie Park Masterplan. As a resident of the area, I strongly believe that this masterplan will have negative consequences on the quality of life for other residents and commuters in the area.

The scale of the project will only exacerbate the traffic congestion issues along Epping and Herring road. Particularly during peak hours, the potential new traffic as a result of the new development (550-570 apartments and new student accommodation) will immensely worsen the traffic along Epping road and this will create huge disruption and delays for the overflow traffic into the Epping and Marsfield Suburbs. During peak hours, a trip that would normally take 10 mins is now already a 40 minute drive with standstill traffic at some points. Adding more traffic in this area can only be considered out of touch and foolish.

The metro system will also be increasingly packed as peak hour commuters would be competing for space on the metro to enter and exit Macquarie University Station. It is already hard to board a train in the morning and if you were to have more people competing for a spot, this is only going to add more pressure downstream as people commute down into the city or towards Tallawong.

Most importantly, there are going to be second-order impacts to the elderly who are currently living at the BaptistCare facility. Pollution from vehicles, overcrowding in the existing infrastructure, noise pollution, and the increased risk of undesirable behavior in the area is going to impact their golden years. I believe no one should be subject to such major change especially at that age where they should be enjoying their lives instead of having to worry about travelling in a high rise building, the safety of the area, who are the new residents living so close by, and especially recently the area has been having so much noise pollution and crime occurring. I personally would not want to subject my own family to living like that during their old age.

As a member of the community in the neighborhood, I STRONGLY DISAGREE to this project and the development of the area considering the elderly, residents around the neighborhood and the congestion around the areas.

This plan is an absolute disaster for the local residents. We paid extra money for our homes because we valued the quiet environment next to us and the low-density residential area with the current aged care around. However, this plan involves the construction of thousands of homes, which impact the whole living environment heavily. Meanwhile it will take several years for the construction to complete. During those years, we will be forced to live amidst constant noise and dust. Once the buildings are completed, residents on the lower floors will permanently lose their current access to natural sunlight. Also, our property values are expected to drop by at least $100,000 — who will compensate us for this loss?

The Macquarie area is already overcrowded, and now the only relatively quiet space left might be gone too. Many of our neighbours are already planning to sell their homes due to this potential plan. This is extremely unfair to the hundreds of families living nearby.

I am writing to express my serious objections to proposed BaptistCare Macquarie Park Masterplan. As a concerned citizen and stakeholder, I strongly believe that this masterplan will have a negative impact on the quality of life for those who live and work in and near the area.
Firstly, the size and scale of the project will cause significant traffic congestion in the area, particularly during peak hours. The additional traffic that brought by, according to the masterplan, the potential thousands of residents living in the 550-570 apartments and c.1000 students in the student accommodation, will put a strain on the already overburdened road network and public transportation system.
Secondly. the proposed project will have a significant impact on the local environment. The construction process will result in the destruction of valuable green spaces and will increase the amount of waste generated in the area. Due to overdevelopment, green spaces have been materially reduced along Epping Road since 2018. Also the overlong construction process will cause great amount of air, noise and dust pollution.
Thirdly, the on-going construction of numerous high-rise buildings in the area is likely will lead to overpopulation and strain to the existing infrastructure without add this BaptistCare development.
Lastly, to relocate the currently elderly residents who have lived there while the estate is being develop is not ideal for the elderly where they are so used to their current surroundings and relocating them twice (relocate for development and then relocate them after completion of the development) have significantly impact on the quality of life for the elderly residents. All these add stress and anxiety that could be potential damaging effect on their well-being.
As a community in the neighbourhood, I STRONGLY DISAGREE to this project and the development of the area considering the elderly, residents around the neighbourhood and the congestion around the areas.

I absolutely object to the proposal for alteration. With increased number of residents we need the necessary infrastructure to cope to ensure quality of life. There was a school planned and social housing and that has been replaced with a park.

Dear all

I hope this letter finds you well.

As a resident of [Park side], I am writing to formally express my objection to the proposed residential construction project planned in the vicinity of my home.

While I understand the need for urban development, I am deeply concerned about the impact such a project will have on the existing neighborhood environment. Specifically, I am worried about:

Noise and dust pollution during construction, which would disrupt the peace and quality of life for current residents.
Increased traffic and congestion, especially on roads not designed for high volumes of vehicles.
Loss of privacy and open space, which are vital to the character of our neighborhood.
Potential strain on local infrastructure, including water, sewage, and public services.
The proposed construction may significantly alter the character and livability of our community, and I strongly urge the responsible authorities to reconsider or halt the approval process for this project.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and respectfully request that the concerns of existing residents be taken seriously in future planning decisions.

Sincerely,

To whom it may concern,

I am writing as a resident and owner at Parkside, 159 Epping Road, Macquarie Park, which directly adjoins the proposed BaptistCare Macquarie Park Masterplan development. I wish to formally object to the proposal in its current form due to the following serious concerns regarding overdevelopment, overshadowing, traffic, and amenity impacts.

1. Overdevelopment and Excessive Building Heights
The proposed concept includes 12 towers ranging from 13 to 25 storeys. This scale is dramatically out of context with the surrounding low- and mid-rise developments. Parkside, for example, is a modest-height residential complex, and the proposed towers will overwhelm adjacent properties, drastically altering the neighborhood’s character and skyline.

This overdevelopment is inconsistent with the Draft Macquarie Park Place Strategy, which identifies this area as outside the core investigation area, implying that this site was not designated for such extreme intensification
.

2. Significant Overshadowing and Loss of Natural Light
As an immediate neighbour, I am deeply concerned about severe overshadowing caused by towers up to 25 storeys. This will drastically reduce natural sunlight into adjacent residences, particularly during winter, and compromise liveability and property values. These impacts were acknowledged as requiring detailed analysis in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
.

3. Traffic Congestion and Parking Pressures
The proposed development will add:

911 residential dwellings

432 seniors units

317 co-living rooms

197 affordable housing units

A school, childcare, and retail

This will dramatically increase traffic volumes on Balaclava Road and Epping Road — already highly congested during peak hours. Despite proximity to the Macquarie University Metro station (1km), most residents and visitors will still rely on private vehicles, placing unsustainable pressure on local roads and intersections, particularly at the Balaclava-Epping junction.

4. Noise and Construction Impacts
While these are to be assessed in future development applications, the magnitude of this staged redevelopment ensures years of ongoing construction. Noise, dust, and disruption will have significant adverse effects on existing residents’ wellbeing.

5. Environmental and Ecological Concerns
The site includes remnants of the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, a critically endangered ecological community. Although the proposal claims to protect these elements, the scale and footprint of the project pose unacceptable risks to biodiversity, particularly without a completed Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR)
.

6. Lack of Meaningful Community Consultation
Despite BaptistCare's claim of ongoing engagement, as a directly affected neighbour, I have not received any formal notice or opportunity for early consultation. The concerns of residents at 159 Epping Road, including those about overshadowing, traffic, and construction impacts, have not been addressed in the publicly available scoping or amendment documents
.

Conclusion
While I appreciate the vision to improve aged care and housing diversity, the current proposal:

Grossly exceeds appropriate scale for the area;

Will severely impact light, privacy, and quality of life for neighbours;

Will worsen traffic and strain infrastructure;

Fails to adequately protect environmental values; and

Lacks fair community engagement.

I urge the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to reject the proposal in its current form, and require BaptistCare to submit a scaled-back, better-integrated design with:

Significantly reduced building heights;

Increased setbacks and landscaping;

Improved traffic impact mitigation;

Adequate environmental protection;

Full consultation with neighbours like Parkside residents.

Thank you for considering this submission.

Sincerely,

Thanks for taking the time to read my comments.
1) I believe the revised proposal is an improvement on the original, mainly due to the inclusion and development of the park space. I would actually prefer to see Lot 3 removed entirely and have the park space expanded to cover the entire area, otherwise, it appears to me that shading from the (now taller) apartment buildings that are abrupt against the park will have both a detrimental effect on the trees and plants in the area and inhibit wildlife from taking hold. What I would prefer to see in this situation is a buffer zone between the park and buildings, and a gradual increasing in height of the buildings away from the park space.

2) Table 15 (see attachment) in the revised report (Summary of proposed Tree Retention and Removal) has incorrect math which appears to be deceptive to me. While the math 'Within Site' appears to be correct, the adjacent columns 'Immediately adjacent but outside the site' either has the 'Total number Retained' incorrectly listed, or 'Total Number Retained in Category (%)' has been calculated incorrectly making it appear that a greater percent of trees in the area are to be retained than actually are planned. Considering how important these trees are to the community, I would appreciate this amended to remove any deception.

3) Considering the number of high-density residential buildings being constructed already in the area, with construction on several major complex's happening all around Macquarie Park immediately adjacent to this proposed area, I don't see much value to the community in have even more of these. This plan seems to have missed the window of opportunity to have a positive impact, and instead looks to over supply the area with more apartment buildings. What I believe should be developed is more retail and green spaces to support all of these new people moving into the area. It appears everyone is counting on the Macquarie Center and Public transport to support this massive influx. What I'd like to see is some calculations around how many people in the community the Macquarie Center can actually support vs. the total value of people that will be occupying this area with all the new apartments (including these). If that exceeds the capacity of the Macquarie Center, then the retail space in this new proposal should be expanded to unburden the Macquarie Center. I also believe that any proposal for retail space needs to be detailed to what kind of retail space they are creating. Mooltan Avenue already has a number of these small businesses below the apartment buildings and the reality is that they're just a waste of space only supporting a very small number of niche services. If these new spaces are targeted to specific types of businesses, then we can make sure we can meet the needs of all of these new people in the area.

4) I appreciated that there is some consideration to climate change and including renewable resources in the plan. I would like to see more details on how renewable resources will be included into the project, and how much of the total energy needs of the proposed site will be supported by renewable energy. I'd also like some consideration for including sand-batteries into the site to reduce heating needs of the buildings. It's a new technology that is commercially available at scale, and would make the proposal much more attractive as an initiative to revolutionize how we build spaces in the climate change era.

That's everything I have for now.
Thank you again for taking the time and all the best.

I am an owner-occupier of LOT316/SP105661 - 159-161 Epping Road, Macquarie Park located within the established low-rise residential enclave highlighted in red on the attached plan. While I acknowledge BaptistCare’s intent to revitalise its ageing estate, I lodge this submission opposing the concept proposal in its present form.

2. Grounds of Objection (to replace the table)
2.1. Excessive Height & Bulk
The concept proposes towers up to 24 storeys—well above the 45 m height limit in Clause 4.3 of the Ryde LEP 2014 and out of step with the prevailing 5- to 8-storey context west of the site.
Such scale fails the “transition of height” objective in the Apartment Design Guide (ADG) and conflicts with SEPP 65 Design Quality Principle 1 (context and neighbourhood character).

2.2 Unacceptable Overshadowing of Existing Homes
Without compliant shadow diagrams, the scheme cannot demonstrate the ADG requirement of at least two hours of direct mid-winter sun to living rooms and private open space of neighbouring dwellings (Objective 4A-1).
Loss of solar access breaches residents’ reasonable expectations under Section 4.15(1)(b) of the EP&A Act 1979.

2.3 Loss of Views & Visual Dominance
The western towers will obstruct sky-plane and ridgeline views currently enjoyed by our community, contrary to Part 2F “View Sharing” in the Ryde DCP and the Land & Environment Court planning principle in Tenacity Consulting v WSROC.
The bulk and scale will visually dominate streetscapes, eroding neighbourhood amenity.

2.4 Traffic Congestion & Safety Risks
A development of ~190 000 m² GFA will generate thousands of extra daily trips, yet no intersection modelling or road-upgrade commitment accompanies the concept proposal.
Balaclava Road already approaches capacity in peak hours; additional queueing will block the sole access route to our strata estate, contrary to the Guide to Traffic-Generating Developments and Section 138 of the Roads Act 1993.

2.5 Construction and Operational Noise Impacts
A decade-long, multi-stage build will expose residents to continuous construction noise well above the EPA’s Interim Construction Noise Guideline limits.
Once built, rooftop plant on 24-storey buildings risks elevating night-time background noise, reducing acoustic amenity.

2.6 Lack of Maintenance & Asset-Management Detail
The Environmental Impact Statement omits any long-term façade, landscape or public-domain upkeep strategy, contrary to Schedule 2 of the EP&A Regulation 2000.
Without a binding Maintenance & Management Plan, ongoing safety and aesthetic standards cannot be assured.

3. Requested Amendments
Limit western precinct buildings to ≤ 14 storeys (≈ 45 m RL) to respect the LEP height and maintain solar access to existing dwellings.

Concentrate any taller elements east of the blue-circled spine where existing topography and greater setbacks reduce impacts.

Prioritise retail, community facilities and publicly-accessible parks at podium / street level to activate the site without excessive residential density.

Publish a detailed phasing plan showing construction periods, haulage routes and hours of work, with commitments to respite days and resident liaison.

Undertake and exhibit full traffic modelling (SIDRA or microsimulation) prior to concept determination, including Balaclava Rd / Epping Rd nodes and cumulative growth.

Provide certified solar and shadow analysis demonstrating compliance with ADG Objectives 4A-1 and 4B-2 for surrounding properties under mid-winter conditions.

Prepare a precinct-wide Maintenance & Management Plan securing long-term façade, landscape and public-domain upkeep via conditions of consent.

Conclusion
Until the above deficiencies are rectified the proposal is inconsistent with the public-interest test in s4.15(1)(e) of the EP&A Act. I therefore respectfully request that the Department refuse the concept SSD, or alternatively impose strict height, staging and impact-mitigation conditions consistent with the amendments outlined.

With this Masterplan proposes 18 new buildings to a small land area. It will bring a lot more traffic. Epping road is already balaclava road is already congested as it is. This will also bring noise to local area and distrub the peaceful and quiet neighborhood.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed aged care development adjacent to my property. While I fully support the need for quality care for our elderly community, I believe this location is not suitable for such a facility for the following reasons:

1. **Impact on Residential Amenity**: The proposed development would significantly alter the character and quiet enjoyment of our residential neighborhood. Increased traffic, noise, and activity levels are inconsistent with the existing low-density housing environment.

2. **Traffic and Safety Concerns**: Aged care facilities typically bring a noticeable increase in vehicle movements from staff, service providers, and visitors. This could create congestion and pose safety risks for local residents, particularly children and pedestrians in the area.

3. **Privacy Issues**: The scale and design of the proposed building may lead to overlooking into neighboring yards and homes, diminishing our privacy and sense of space.

4. **Environmental and Visual Impact**: The size and height of the proposed structure could overshadow nearby homes and green spaces, affecting sunlight access and overall streetscape aesthetics.

I respectfully urge the council to consider alternative locations better suited to this type of development—areas with appropriate infrastructure, access, and zoning to support both residents and aged care needs without compromising existing community amenity.

Thank you for considering my concerns.

Sincerely,
Hongyu Zhang
159-161 Epping Road, Macquarie Park, 2114

The apartment density is already quite large in this area of Macquarie Park, so I object to this project.

I am writing as a concerned resident of Macquarie Park to formally object to the proposed BaptistCare master plan redevelopment in our neighbourhood.

While I understand the need for community development and aged care facilities, the current proposal raises several serious concerns that will significantly impact the quality of life for surrounding residents.

1. Loss of Sunlight and Visual Amenity
The proposal includes high-rise buildings that far exceed the existing local character and building heights. These structures will cast long shadows over nearby residential properties, resulting in reduced natural sunlight and obstructed views, particularly during the morning and late afternoon hours.

2. Privacy Intrusion
The scale and proximity of the proposed buildings pose a serious threat to the privacy of existing homeowners. Apartments overlooking low-rise residences and backyards will result in constant surveillance and discomfort for current residents, violating a reasonable expectation of privacy in our homes.

3. Disruption to Daily Life
The proposed development will lead to increased traffic, noise, and congestion in an already densely populated area. Construction activities and a higher population density will place additional pressure on local infrastructure, including roads, public transport, and community amenities.

The BaptistCare site sits in a neighbourhood characterised by peaceful surroundings and a sense of community. The proposed scale of the development is not compatible with the existing environment and risks degrading the very qualities that make Macquarie Park a livable and attractive place to reside.

I respectfully urge the Council to reconsider or require significant amendments to this proposal, taking into account the concerns of local residents whose lives will be directly affected.

Thank you for considering this objection.

Yours sincerely,

This is my formally object to the proposed BaptistCare Master Plan redevelopment in Macquarie Park. As a local resident, I am deeply concerned about the negative impacts this plan will have on the surrounding community, particularly in terms of residential amenity, privacy, and quality of life.
The most pressing issues is the proposed increase in building height. The inclusion of high-rise building structures will significantly block natural sunlight and obstruct the existing views for nearby residents. The current low level properties over of the area contributes greatly to the local environment, and such drastic changes would irreversibly alter this balance.
In addition, the scale and orientation of the new buildings raise serious privacy concerns. With higher levels overlooking existing homes and outdoor areas, residents will be exposed to a loss of private space, which is both intrusive and distressing. This is not in line with principles of respectful urban planning or community integration.
The overall scale and intensity of the redevelopment risk placing substantial strain on local infrastructure, increasing noise, traffic, and reducing the general livability of the neighborhood. These consequences will have lasting effects on families who have made this area their home.
I urge the planning authorities to reconsider the current proposal and to prioritise a design that respects the rights and privacy for existing residents.

I strongly object to the BaptistCare Macquarie Park Masterplan on the grounds of environmental impact, overdevelopment, unsuitability for elderly residents, and a lack of genuine community engagement.

First and foremost, the plan proposes a significant reduction of green space in an area that is already facing rapid urbanisation. The proposed high-rise towers, vertical village, and student accommodations will replace serene, low-density greenery with concrete and steel. Macquarie Park needs more trees, open air, and natural ecosystems—not towering developments that overshadow what little green space we have left. Urban green areas play a critical role in mental health, air quality, heat mitigation, and community well-being. Once they’re gone, we cannot get them back.

The scale of the proposed development is excessive. Increasing the residential and student population by such a large margin will lead to inevitable strain on local infrastructure: traffic congestion, overloaded public transport, and parking shortages. These are not abstract concerns—they are already felt daily, and this plan will only worsen the situation.

The Vertical Village concept, while perhaps appealing on paper, is fundamentally misaligned with the real needs of aged care residents. Elderly individuals benefit from easy access to ground-level gardens, quiet paths, and small community settings. High-density vertical living increases risks during emergencies (e.g., power outages or fire alarms) and can be profoundly isolating for those with mobility or cognitive issues. This is not the future of aged care—it’s a step in the wrong direction.

Furthermore, the consultation process has been insufficient and superficial. The fact that only a handful of residents attended consultation sessions signals not that there is no opposition, but that the process was not accessible or meaningful enough to draw genuine community participation. A development of this scale deserves transparent, inclusive, and ongoing dialogue with those who live in and love this area.

I want a future for Macquarie Park that values balance—between development and nature, growth and livability, innovation and community roots. We need more natural parks, walking trails, community gardens, and open skies—not just more buildings. Development should enhance life, not suffocate it.

For these reasons, I object to the current BaptistCare Masterplan and urge planning authorities to pause, reconsider, and return with a revised plan that prioritises sustainability, liveability, and green space preservation.

The project will not only increase noises, dust, security risks and crowd, but also block views and sunlight of my apartment.

The project will block majority of the views of where I live and lacking of facilities like schools and clinics will result in living problems for current residents. High density high housing is not suitable for this area.