Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, Marrickville Seniors Housing

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed construction project. This project poses a significant risk to the safety of my home. The retaining wall is already leaning substantially over my house. We had to have support beams installed due to the existing risk of collapse, and any additional work could compromise the wall further, potentially causing it to collapse completely.

In addition to the safety risks, the impact on traffic and parking conditions in the area cannot be overlooked. The situation is already difficult, and this project will only exacerbate these issues. Furthermore, the noise generated by ongoing construction, combined with that already coming from the school, will severely affect the livability of the neighborhood.

Perhaps most concerning is the lack of meaningful consultation from St Maroun's. There has been no evident effort to engage with the local community or to address our concerns, which comes across as dismissive and disrespectful.

I urge you to reconsider or, at the very least, halt the project until the wall can be safely remediated and thorough community consultation takes place.

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my strong opposition and concern regarding the proposed development, particularly the planned height of four storeys. This proposal significantly exceeds the local planning height limits and is inconsistent with the established character of our residential neighbourhood in Marrickville. The development, as proposed, would seriously impact the privacy of surrounding homes and alter the unique aesthetic and community feel that residents deeply value.

A matter of critical concern is the proposed below-ground excavation and the potential threat it poses to the adjacent heritage wall. This wall has been in a deteriorating state for over a decade, leaning dangerously into nearby properties, including my own. Despite repeated concerns raised by residents, little has been done to secure or restore it. If the developers have the financial capacity to undertake a project of this scale, they should be required to first ensure the safety and stability of this wall. It currently poses a serious risk, not only to nearby properties but also to the safety of individuals, particularly children, who might be near it when it eventually gives way. In fact, many residents, including myself, avoid using parts of our yards due to the fear of a collapse.

Regarding the proposed building height, there are no other four-storey structures in this part of Marrickville. Allowing this development would set an unwelcome precedent and result in an eyesore that is entirely out of place with the low-rise, community-focused nature of our area. The proposal exceeds the height limit by approximately 60%, which is a significant deviation from planning regulations.

Another deeply concerning aspect is the potential loss of mature trees on the site. These trees are not only important to the local character and environment but also serve as habitat to a variety of native bird species, including lorikeets, tawny frogmouths, magpies, and kookaburras. The removal of these trees would result in a permanent loss of biodiversity in an already pressured urban ecosystem.

Finally, I wish to highlight the severe parking and traffic implications. The proposed development offers only 35 parking spaces, which is inadequate given the density of the building. Our neighbourhood already experiences heavy traffic congestion, particularly due to the nearby school, and this development would only exacerbate the situation—both during construction and once completed. The increased noise, disruption, and safety hazards during the construction period are also of significant concern to residents.

In light of the above, I respectfully urge the council to reject this proposal in its current form. It is inappropriate in scale, dangerous to surrounding properties, environmentally damaging, and inconsistent with the planning objectives for our area. I ask that the wellbeing of current residents, the protection of our shared heritage, and the integrity of our community be prioritised.

Yours sincerely,
Resident/Owner for over 15 years

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed expansion of the Maronite Village nursing home due to the unacceptable risk it poses to the site’s remarkable and irreplaceable trees. The property is home to enormous, mature turpentine and eucalyptus trees, some of which are over 100 years old. These trees are not just a vital part of the local landscape—they are living heritage, providing essential shade, habitat, and ecological benefits unique to this area.
The proposed excavation for an underground car park, extending two storeys below ground, directly threatens the stability and survival of these trees. Such extensive excavation near the root zones of these century-old trees is extremely likely to cause root damage, destabilize the trees, or even lead to their death. There is nothing else like these trees in the immediate area, and their loss would be a devastating blow to the neighborhood’s character and biodiversity.
No development proposal that places these trees at such extreme risk should be considered acceptable. Large, mature trees cannot simply be replaced, and the loss of these significant trees would be permanent.
I respectfully urge the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to reject this application or, at a minimum, require a complete redesign that fully protects the root zones of these irreplaceable trees.
Thank you for your consideration.

I have safety concerns about the heritage wall to public safety.

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed expansion of the Maronite Village nursing home due to the serious lack of genuine community consultation. Despite the developers claiming that there has been “extensive community consultation,” many residents, including myself and my neighbours, only became aware of this massive proposal by chance.

We, the residents were only told that the Inspections that took place were in order the check on the condition of the boundary wall between our home and St. Maroun's College and Nursing Home. We were never told that that the inspection was for the expansion of the Maronite Village Nursing Home. In February, I received a Building Inspection Report and on that document there is no mention of a proposed development. The document is 162 pages and its content is the inspections that were carried out. I have attached the cover page of the document.

True community consultation means more than just ticking a box—it means ensuring that those who will be directly affected by the development are properly informed and have a real opportunity to provide feedback. This has not happened. The scale of this development, with its four-storey height, 100-bed capacity, and underground car park, will have significant impacts on our neighbourhood, yet most local residents were left in the dark.

A four-storey building such as this behind our property, in a neighbourhood of mainly single-storey houses is overwhelming. It will tower over homes, cause privacy issues, and increase noise, disrupting the quiet lifestyle we currently enjoy.

And the planned removal of the mature trees, that we have appreciated for so many years and have been vital for our emotional, psychologically, and physically health.. is unacceptable! These trees have supported local biodiversity and enhance the character of the neighbourhood.

We have had no clear information on how the heritage wall will be protected, how stormwater management will be improved to prevent local flooding, or how traffic and parking issues will be addressed. These are serious concerns that should have been properly discussed with the community.

The lack of transparency around this development makes it impossible for us residents (including my wife and I) to have confidence in the process or to feel that our voices matter.

I urge the NSW Government to reject this application until genuine, meaningful community consultation is conducted, and residents are given a fair chance to understand and comment on the proposal.

The redevelopment risk causing the wall to collapse. More cars, more trucks will likely cause more accidents on Marrickville Avenue. The redevelopment will be too large for this site. Parking is already limited. They only notify some residents due to language barrier. Plus it would have significant privacy and noise impact on neighbouring residents on all sides.

Opposition to the Maronite Development

This submission is opposed to the development for the reason given;
• the building is too high over four storeys – there is nothing of a residential nature this high in close proximity
• the building design has not been seen by me and believe it will not fit in with the houses next to the development
• the building must fit in with the South Dulwich Conservation Heritage Area architecture and streetscape
• the trees should not be removed as they are part of the amenity and charm of the Dulwich hill area and a valuable natural feature in a dense urban environment
• The heritage wall is unique and could be damaged and damaged by construction. This will endanger people’s safety
• Neighbours will lose their right to privacy
• Traffic problems with so many cars from visitors, staff and residents will affect resident parking and traffic accessibility to the street.

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed expansion of the Maronite Village nursing home due to the severe traffic and safety risks it would create. The site is accessed via narrow residential streets, including a cul-de-sac, which are entirely unsuitable for the volume of traffic this large-scale development would generate.

The proposed 100-bed facility, with only 35 on-site parking spaces, will result in significant overflow parking onto nearby streets, causing congestion and making access difficult for residents. The increased traffic from visitors, staff, deliveries, garbage trucks, and emergency vehicles will overwhelm the existing road network. The situation is particularly dangerous given the limited turning space and the difficulty larger vehicles will have navigating these narrow streets.

Moreover, the site’s landlocked nature means that emergency access is already constrained. In a crisis, such as a fire or medical emergency, response vehicles could be delayed or obstructed by parked cars and traffic congestion. This is an unacceptable safety risk for both residents of the nursing home and the surrounding community.

Proper planning requires that traffic, access, and safety be thoroughly assessed, especially for a facility of this size. Unfortunately, this proposal has not adequately addressed these issues, making it fundamentally unsuitable for the location.

I respectfully urge the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to reject this application or require a major redesign that genuinely addresses the traffic, parking, and safety concerns.

I’m writing to strongly object to the proposed expansion of the Maronite Village nursing home between Pine Street, Marrickville Avenue, and Challis Avenue. The plan to replace the current single-storey, 50-bed facility with a massive four-storey, 100-bed complex is deeply concerning for several reasons:

Risk to the Heritage Wall: The scale of the proposed construction, especially with the underground car park, directly threatens the nearby heritage wall. There’s no clear plan for protecting or repairing it, which puts public safety and nearby homes at serious risk.
Overdevelopment and Privacy Issues: A four-storey building in a neighbourhood of mainly single-storey houses is overwhelming. It will tower over homes, cause privacy issues, and increase noise, disrupting the quiet lifestyle residents currently enjoy.
Stormwater and Flooding Risks: The proposal doesn’t properly address stormwater management, which could lead to serious flooding issues for neighbouring properties.
Inadequate Parking and Traffic Management: With only 35 parking spaces for a significantly larger facility, local streets will be overwhelmed with overflow parking and increased traffic from visitors, deliveries, and emergency vehicles.
Loss of Trees and Impact on Biodiversity: The planned removal of mature trees is unacceptable. These trees support local biodiversity and enhance the character of the neighbourhood.
Serious Safety Concerns: Given that this is a landlocked site, it is unclear how a facility of this size can be safely evacuated during an emergency.
Finally, I question the claims of "extensive community consultation" made by the developers. Most residents were unaware of this plan until recently, which feels like an attempt to bypass genuine community input.

I urge the NSW Government to reject this application or require major changes that genuinely address these issues.

Thank you for your consideration.

The project is unacceptable for the following reasons,
1. Heritage Wall is in danger of collapse and injury to residents could occur. Excavation and building adjacent to the wall will increase the likelihood of injury
2. The building proposed is excessive in requesting to build over 60% above the permissible limits in the zoning for the area.
3. The 4 Storey height will compromise the amenity and privacy of many residents through oversight into backyards and noise from residents
4. The building design is not the same as the heritage and South Dulwich hill heritage area
and inconsistent with the streetscapes special to a Heritage area.
5. I was not made aware of the project or consulted in any form whatsoever about how this project would affect me. There are no pictures of the building and how it will fit into the landscape
6. The increased number or people on the site will create problems for resident parking in the street.
7.There are not enough parking spaces provided on the proposed site for parking.
8.The removal of 4 trees that are very mature and tall is a destruction of the natural environment
9. The trees cannot be removed for a electricity substation
10 There was no Biodiversity report and the waiver given is not given a reason.
11. There will be traffic problems at the intersection of Marrickville Avenue and Livingstone Road due to a significant increase for a cul-de-sac
12 There will be excessive noise for a project over 12 to 18 months at a minimum

As a brother whose sister and her young family live in Marrickville, I am significantly concerned about the repercussions of constructing a 4-storey nursing home in their neighborhood. I visit them often, and here are my specific concerns:
Risk to Heritage Structures
There is a serious concern about potential damage to a heritage wall from construction activities. Historical neglect of the wall's maintenance raises fears about its stability and the possibility of collapse, especially due to vibrations from construction.
Mismatch with Neighborhood Character
The proposed structure, exceeding the area's height limits by 6 meters, would disrupt the harmony of the existing low-rise homes and the visual appeal of the neighborhood.
Traffic, Parking, and Access Difficulties
With the expected increase in staff, visitors, and service vehicles, I anticipate severe traffic congestion and parking challenges. As someone who visits regularly, finding parking near my sister's home would become even more difficult, particularly on Marrickville Avenue, a peaceful street already struggling with limited parking space.
Loss of Privacy
A building of this height would overlook both my sister's home and others nearby, stripping away their backyard privacy. Plans to remove mature trees exacerbate this loss of personal space.
Overshadowing and Reduced Sunlight
The towering structure's shadows would impact nearby homes and gardens, reducing access to sunlight and hindering residents, including my sister, from adopting solar energy solutions.
Infrastructure Strain
This large facility would overburden the local infrastructure, such as roads and utilities. Existing flooding issues would intensify due to decreased green space despite promised stormwater management efforts.
Increased Noise and Constant Disruption
The 24/7 operations of a nursing home, including deliveries and ambulances, would increase noise in the currently tranquil area, disrupting the community's peace. This is particularly concerning given that the area isn’t zoned for such operations.
Loss of Green Space
The development would reduce open green areas and gardens, diminishing the lush environment that makes Marrickville special for both residents and visitors like myself.
Impact on Heritage and Streetscape
Such a modern development could tarnish the historical character of Marrickville, diluting its heritage value and unique charm.
Precedent for High-Density Developments
Approving this nursing home could pave the way for more high-density projects, further eroding the residential character and affecting families like my sister's.
Community Opposition and Impact
Many local residents share these worries, including my sister's family. The lack of effective community consultations, with only 2% awareness among the locals, shows how disconnected the development plans are from the community's wishes and needs.
Threat to Established Trees
The risk to established trees from construction, particularly the underground car park, could lead to their damage or loss. Comprehensive tree protection measures are necessary to maintain the neighborhood's green character.
Alternative Sites Available
A site already zoned appropriately for a nursing home is available on Marrickville Rd. This offers a more suitable location for development without disrupting the current residential area.
Safety Risks in Emergencies
With more than 100 aged care residents, the single access point raises serious concerns about emergency evacuations and response.
Increased Stress on Visiting Family
The added congestion and parking difficulty could make family visits more stressful and less frequent, impacting my ability to support my sister and her needs.
Given these points, I urge the authorities to reject this development, preserving the character, livability, and safety of my sister's neighborhood and maintaining the quality of life for both residents and frequent visitors like myself.

I object to the proposed expansion (SSD-69377980) due to the following concerns:
- The heritage wall is at risk with no planned remediation or protection.
- Insufficient traffic and parking provisions will cause local congestion and safety issues.
- The building wall height exceeds legal limits by over 60%, negatively impacting the area. (proposed heigh is 15.2m)
- There has been no genuine community consultation regarding this project.

These issues must be addressed before approval is granted.
Thank you for your consideration.

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed expansion of the Maronite Village nursing home. The proposed four-storey, 100-bed facility and underground car park will cause severe problems for residents in my street.
One of my main concerns is traffic and parking. With only 35 on-site parking spaces for such a large facility, it is inevitable that overflow parking will flood into Marrickville Avenue. This is already a busy street with limited parking, and the added congestion from visitors, staff, service vehicles, garbage trucks, and ambulances will make it unbearable. This is a serious safety issue and an unfair burden on local residents.
Additionally, stormwater management is a major concern. During recent storms, the existing facility has already caused stormwater overflow onto our street. Expanding it to double the size without a proper stormwater management plan is a disaster waiting to happen. Flooding risks will only increase, endangering our properties and creating more maintenance headaches for residents.
Furthermore, I question the claim of "extensive community consultation" made by the developers. Many of us on Marrickville Avenue were completely unaware of the proposal until recently. It feels like the community’s voice is being ignored.
Given the severe impacts on traffic, parking, and stormwater, I urge the Council to reject this application unless these issues are addressed with concrete, enforceable solutions.
Thank you for your consideration.

As someone who frequently visits Marrickville, I am deeply concerned about the proposed development of a 4-storey nursing home in this predominantly low-rise residential area. The height of the building—6 meters above the zone’s maximum—would be out of character with the existing streetscape and could damage Marrickville’s historic charm. I worry about the increased traffic and parking congestion, especially given Marrickville Avenue’s limited parking and its quiet residential nature. The looming structure would overlook neighbouring homes, threatening residents’ privacy, and plans to remove mature trees only heighten these concerns. The shadow cast by such a tall building would also block sunlight for gardens and homes, affecting residents’ outdoor spaces and their ability to harness solar energy. Additionally, the development could strain local infrastructure, with roads, utilities, and flood-prone areas being ill-equipped to handle the extra demand, even with stormwater management plans. Noise pollution is another significant concern; operating around the clock, the facility would generate increased noise from deliveries, ambulances, and HVAC systems projected to reach nearly double ambient levels, disturbing the neighbourhood’s peace. The reduction of green spaces would diminish Marrickville’s natural beauty and amenities that make the area special. Approving this project might set a dangerous precedent, encouraging more high-density constructions outside the designated zones, which would erode the neighbourhood’s character. There is also resistance among the community, with only 2% of surveyed residents aware of or supportive of the proposal—highlighting a lack of proper consultation. Safety concerns include limited access points that could hinder evacuations during emergencies for over a hundred residents, and the risk of damaging or collapsing a historic heritage wall during construction, despite warnings from engineers. Lastly, an existing zoned site—the nurse home on Marrickville Road—already provides a suitable location for development, rendering this proposal unnecessary. Given these reasons, I believe the development should be rejected to preserve the neighbourhood’s character, safety, and liveability.

It is not the right place for a development of this size. Already having issues with trucks and deliveries coming in and out of marrickville avenue has cause 3 car accidents already. Imagine the renovation stages occur, it may impact more accidents. Rubbish bin issue already overflowed with rubbish. Unhealthy for the residents and i have to cope when leaving the house and smelling their trash. The redevelopment risks causing the heritage wall to collapes. Over grown trees they havent maintained. It already has so much traffic going in marrickville avenue.not enough parking on weekend alone guest who attend greek church. People visiting the nursing home. Where do the residents of marrickville avenue park on weekend. Where do we have our own guest come visit and park their vehicles?
They should just renovated the current building not adding anymore bed. It already over crowded if more added their will be a major problem harder to fix.

I strongly object to this development for the following reasons:

1. Built Form and design.
The proposed Juliet balconies are not in keeping with the South Dulwich Hill Conservation Area. This design fails to reflect the area’s architectural character. The proposed height significantly exceeds planning controls, and setbacks do not resolve the core issue: overdevelopment in a low-density residential zone. Approving this would set a precedent for further inappropriate height increases. The existing trees are part of the area’s natural heritage and biodiversity. Suggesting they be removed to justify excessive building height is unacceptable. These trees are nearing 100 years old, and add great natural beauty, and biodiversity to all surrounding areas.

2. Visual Impact and Privacy
The developments height would greatly impact privacy. The screening provided by trees is minimal, and diagrams misrepresent the actual coverage. Rooftop and upper-level terraces would directly impact surrounding homes privacy and enjoyment.

3. Heritage Wall – Life Safety Risk
The wall near the development is heritage listed, and has great historic value, despite its status, the school has ignored council and structural engineers orders to fix it. Structural engineers — and Council — have repeatedly ordered urgent remediation, which has been ignored for decades. Not only does it urgently need repairs so it remains in existence, but an independent engineer recently identified a serious risk to life and property if it remains unaddressed. The school and the developer admit it needs fixing but have made no plan to do so. Despite this, this development has been approved, without resolving this major safety issue. The school is ignoring a serious urgent matter to fix this wall, whilst preparing for an development that will further impact its stability. It needs to be fixed first.

4. Biodiversity, Noise, and community engagement
The waiver of a Biodiversity Assessment is concerning given the site’s habitat value. The tress on site, are home to large animal populations, which has been completely ignored. The tree scape is heritage, and there are many species of birds that live there, as well as bats that use the trees to fly north in summer. This buildings light, height and balconies will greatly negatively impact the ecosystem of the birds and the trees. Though the species aren’t endangered, it is careless projects such as these, that allow for species to end up endangered.

Conclusion
This proposal should not proceed without major revision and urgent action.

I object to the commencement of this construction because I am committed to good government. The management of this site, including by Inner West Council, continues to be unsatisfactory and to meet the basic standards of supporting the broad public interest.
Specifically, the owners and managers of the Maronite Sisters and St Marouns school site have failed to carry out remediation to the Heritage wall on the boundary of the Marrickville site in response to Council orders over an extended period, and Inner West Council has failed to enforce those orders. This is incompetent public administration, and sets a terrible precedent. It is an abrogation of one of the Councils principle functions, ie integrity of the local government planning system.
The planning system is supposed to manage risk. It is therefore an evident failure that a construction certificate has been issued for the commencement of the Maronite Sisters Marrickville Seniors Housing before remediation has been carried out to ensure the structural integrity of the wall. Public safety is one of the most fundamental risks that should be managed through the administration of the planning system.

As a frequent visitor to Challis Avenue, I am appalled by the proposed project. I have seen the way that the heritage wall leans and it is clear that it is extremely dangerous. I am worried about the chance it may fall and injure residents or damage homes. Excavation and construction will only increase this risk. The project must not go ahead without addressing this issue. I demand that the whole heritage wall is remediated before construction starts to ensure it does not hurt anyone or damage surrounding residences.

While I support the need for further Aged Care places to accommodate our aging population, I object to this particular development on a number of grounds as outlined below.

Constrained site
St Maroun's is a unique, historic site with a heritage protected wall which places constraints on the ability of the site to adequately support the proposed development. Because of the wall, access to the site is restricted to one entry and exit only. This is insufficient for the safe and peaceful passage of staff, visitors, ambulances, equipment and refuse. It places unbearable traffic and noise on Marrickville Ave, a previously peaceful street, which will also have flow on delays on Livingstone Rd. Should there be an emergency, such as a fire on the site, this constrained egress will significantly impact the ability for emergency vehicles to enter and for the evacuation of elderly people whose may need assistance.

Excessive development, loss of trees and rain run-off
In addition to the constrained site, the proposal for 100 beds and 4 storeys is excessive for this site. The proposed height the limitations by 60%. There are few drawings of the design but the plans fill a majority of the space, are likely to encroach on the privacy of surrounding properties, which will require the removal of significant trees and add to the already problematic water run-off from the site. I am also concerned by the noise impacts. The capacity of the nursing home is excessive and consideration should be given to reducing the bed numbers.

Risk to Heritage Wall
The site is surrounded by a heritage wall which is in poor state and well recognized as a risk to safety and property. The construction of the nursing home of this site, close t this wall, as well as the excavation required for the 2 storey car park places unacceptable risk to the wall. I demand that the wall be remediated prior to commencement of works.

Lack of REAL community consultation
Despite the provision of a glossy document purporting to reflect extensive community consultation, I can confirm that as resident directly adjacent to the development, I have not been consulted. In fact the entirety of Challis Ave has been excluded from the process - I believe representing a cynical attitude that has been typical of previous dealings with St Maroun's and which will no doubt continue into the future.

As a resident directly next to the project, I strongly object this project. I am concerned about the heritage wall that leans dangerously yet there is no remediation planned. This poses a major risk to my home and other homes nearby. I demand that there is a remediation of the wall before any construction begins. I am also concerned about the loss of trees as a result of this project and the unclear information on how this project will impact the privacy of my home. Furthermore, I am concerned about the height of the project, which is over the legal limit. There is no noise impact modelling or noise protection for nearby residents such as myself, which I am concerned with how this will impact me. Despite the community consultation report, there has been no real community consultation, particularly on my street (Challis Ave), which will be heavily impacted by the project. The site of the project is completely surrounded by residential streets. This has caused ongoing traffic and parking chaos from staff, students and parents. During the construction and as a result of the project, there will be an increase in vehicles around the site. There is also grossly inadequate parking at the site which will add to this traffic chaos significantly.