Loreto Normanhurst School Redevelopment - Modification 2

I object to the proposed Modification 2.

Irrespective of Loreto’s staff numbers, SSD-8996-MOD-1/ Schedule 3/ Condition B1 requires a minimum of 301 on-site car parking spaces before student numbers increase beyond 1,250. This condition should not be relaxed.

In attempting to defer construction of the P4A multi-purpose car park, Loreto continues to expect to push the burden onto surrounding residents in the form of unacceptable traffic and parking issues. This time a further shortfall of 64 car parking spaces.

The ramifications of the proposed modification are perhaps best demonstrated by Loreto’s ongoing non-compliance with parking as per the CEMP in place to address C16 (SSD-8996-MOD-1/ Schedule 3/ Condition C16). In relation to the construction of the Boarding House on Mount Pleasant Avenue, the concessions to neighbours were that during construction:
1. Loreto staff and students would not park in Mount Pleasant Avenue at all
2. Construction contractors would park only on the oval side (and leave the eastern kerbside free for residents)
The ongoing non-compliance is currently being investigated by the Compliance Team. Clearly there is already a shortfall of parking spaces.

Finally, I again suggest the need to properly solve the traffic congestion problem. Attachment 1 below details how, with Loreto’s cooperation, it is easily possible to improve the Osborn Road traffic lights without interfering with Pennant Hills Road efficiency.

My concern is the effect of the Traffic Impact Statement on the surrounding streets.
In the attachment, I provide an outline of problems occurring with current traffic conditions.
Also, I suggest that a U-turn be allowed from the right hand turn bay south bound on Pennant Hills Rd at the intersection with Normanhurst Rd.

I am writing to formally object to the conclusions and adequacy of the Traffic Impact Statement (TIS) submitted in relation to SSD 8996 MOD 2.
Insufficient Scope of Traffic Modelling
The MOD 2 TIS relies heavily on the earlier MOD 1 TIS and does not provide updated or expanded modelling despite significant existing traffic issues. The analysis is narrowly focused on onsite parking, the Green Travel Plan, and limited intersections (Osborn Road and Mount Pleasant Avenue). This ignores the wider network impacts already being experienced across surrounding roads.
Pennant Hills Road / Mount Pleasant Avenue Intersection
The revised TIS identifies the poor performance of this intersection, largely due to right-hand turns out of Mount Pleasant Avenue. Although a consent condition under SSD 07_166 (Wahroonga Estate) requires “No Right Turn” signage, there is no clear timeframe for implementation. In the meantime, the modelling assumes current operations remain unchanged. This failure to implement a long-standing consent condition has left residents facing unsafe and impractical traffic movements.
From lived experience:
• We avoid turning right at this intersection.
• Visibility is severely restricted due to corner property walls and vehicles queuing in adjacent lanes.
• Safe merging often relies on breaks in traffic caused by the downstream traffic lights at Jasmine Road / Hinemoa Avenue.
A potential solution worth considering is allowing U-turns at Normanhurst Road during the right-turn arrow phase. This would ease pressure on Normanhurst and Fraser Roads, particularly during school pick-up and drop-off times.
Deficiencies in the Green Travel Plan
While the Green Travel Plan in MOD 2 claims it will reduce future traffic, it lacks any binding enforcement mechanism or accountability measures. Current experience shows little evidence of compliance, with construction-related vehicles occupying both sides of Mount Pleasant Avenue. Without enforcement, the plan cannot be considered a reliable mitigation strategy.
Present-Day Congestion Impacts
Local residents are already experiencing severe congestion:
• Normanhurst Road is routinely queued from school gates to Denman Parade during peak periods.
• Fraser Road becomes gridlocked with parked vehicles on both sides and lengthy delays as drivers negotiate narrow clearances.
• Buckingham Avenue and Denman Parade regularly experience queuing conflicts due to diverted traffic.
• Attempts to divert via Edwards Road and Unwin Road only compound congestion within Barker and St Leo’s school zones.
• Rainy conditions further worsen congestion and safety.
Conclusion
The MOD 2 TIS fails to adequately address the present and future traffic impacts on surrounding residential streets. It relies on unimplemented conditions, unenforceable travel plans, and narrow intersection modelling, while lived experience shows daily safety and congestion issues for residents.
I respectfully request that Council reject SSD 8996 MOD 2 on traffic grounds until:
1. Updated and comprehensive traffic modelling is undertaken across all impacted roads.
2. The existing consent condition requiring “No Right Turn” at Mount Pleasant Avenue is enforced.
3. The Green Travel Plan is revised with enforceable mechanisms and monitoring.
4. Alternative intersection management solutions (such as U-turn provisions at Normanhurst Road) are properly investigated.

Subject: Objection to Proposed Modifications

I wish to formally object to the proposed modifications Loreto Normanhurst School Redevelopment - Modification 2, Location 4,6,14,16,30-62,24-28 Mount Pleasant Avenue, 89, 91-93 Pennant Hills Road Normanhurst.
Loreto’s modifications in the past have repeatedly failed to comply with what was approved, and there is no evidence that these latest changes will be handled differently. The proposed installation of a larger air conditioning unit on the roof will result in greater environmental and aesthetic impacts than the originally approved system.
Environmental Concerns
Large air conditioning systems have significant environmental consequences. They consume substantial amounts of electricity—often sourced from fossil fuels—thereby increasing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate change. According to the International Energy Agency, in some regions, cooling systems account for more than 70% of peak electricity demand.
The refrigerants used in these systems, such as HFCs, are extremely potent greenhouse gases, many times more impactful than carbon dioxide. Even small leaks during operation, servicing, or disposal release harmful emissions into the atmosphere. While modern refrigerants may no longer deplete the ozone layer, they still cause serious global warming effects.
In addition, the manufacturing, transport, and disposal of air conditioning units produce further emissions and require resource-intensive materials such as metals and plastics. Plastics, in particular, are problematic due to their non-biodegradable nature and the risk of improper disposal.
Fit for Purpose & Visual Impact
The building was designed and approved with the current air conditioning system, which is fit for purpose. Installing a larger unit is unnecessary, inconsistent with the approved design, and aesthetically degrading to the building and surrounding area.
History of Non-Compliance
Residents have invested hundreds of hours negotiating, monitoring, and holding Loreto accountable for previously approved parameters—parameters which have not been respected in the past. This track record raises serious doubts about Loreto’s ability or willingness to implement the current proposal in compliance with regulations and community expectations.
1.
Ongoing Community Disruption
Our street is already severely impacted by Loreto-related construction and operations. Buildcorp workers regularly occupy residents’ parking areas with traffic cones, churn up street verges, and damage nature strips. The road has been dug up and poorly resurfaced, allowing water seepage; gutters have been torn apart.
Traffic congestion and parking problems caused by Loreto continue to disrupt traffic flow. These issues have been ongoing for years and are routinely ignored by the Minister, Council, and Loreto alike. Loreto must demonstrate respect for the street community and act as a responsible neighbour. At present, the situation is wholly inadequate and unacceptable.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposed modifications and urge that they be rejected.
Yours sincerely,

Resident

Mount Pleasant Avenue
Normanhurst 2076