Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, Marrickville Seniors Housing

This development is an over development of the site. For years we have been seeking to find common ground with the Maronite sisters and have repeatedly requested a copy of their Masterplan of the site.
The site has historical significance and is a land locked site that requires support of neighbours. At this time the school on the site is being redeveloped with the view of significant expansion of numbers
This Seniors Housing plan is also significant expansion of the Maronite Sisters aged care business
Specifically, my concerns related to:
multi story development in a neighborhood of single or double story family homes;
loss of mature trees and impact on fauna on the site;
demolition of a heritage wall that surrounds the site. A wall that has consistently been identified as historically significant and in need of restoration - not demolition;
impact of the size of this development on neighbours. Multi story will mean a loss of privacy for homes along Pine street, Marrickville Ave and Challis Ave;
the development once completed will create traffic chaos - already being experienced - by surrounding streets because of the current size of the nursing home and school;
Finally, it is critical that Panel understands that there has been NO real consultation with resident about this significant development. It is simply not good process and it is certainly not fair. My neighbours and I found out about the development and invitation to submit a response to the Panel a few days ago by an informal conversation with a neighbour.
Many of my neighbour's who do not have access to a computer or whose first language is not English can not equitably raise their support or concerns about this development.
Finally, the application is called seniors housing but it must be noted that this facility will be a multi bed residential aged care facility - that will have significant increase on their current 54 high care beds on that site.
Thank you for taking my objection to the development application, as it currently stands into account.

I object to this development due to the following reasons:
1. This property is enclosed by a structurally unsound , 3m high , 100 year old heritage wall. This wall fully encloses an old convent site encompassing schools (including a high school redevelopment that is currently active) and two nursing homes. The Maronite sisters are wholly aware of the poor state of the whole wall and the significant leans and defects throughout . This project proposes to excavate 2 storeys below ground very close to a large section of the wall . It also requires removal of beautiful large trees on the perimeter wall which will further destabilise the wall structure . Residents (of which there are many adjoining the whole wall) have for 25 years been asking the nuns to remediate the wall but they consistently have failed to do so despite their assurances to do so and numerous council orders. The risk of collapse or the wall falling will be increased dramatically if this development goes ahead. The residents have been pleading with authorities and the school to REMEDIATE the wall around the whole of the property to ensure no child or person is killed in their back yards. If the project is approved, we ask that that as a non negotiable condition of a DA, the wall surrounding the whole of St Marouns (not just the part near the nursing home) is properly remediated as per engineering recommendations, BEFORE a CC is given or any work commences . The residents on the other side of this wall in Challis ave, pine st & Marrickville Ave live in fear every day of the wall failing and are terrified that this will happen faster with excavation. It is only a matter of time before this happens.
2. Trees. We are to endure the loss of so many trees for the significant school redevelopment currently underway . This development is behind the very same heritage wall and right next to this proposed nursing home. Further loss of the precious and mature trees (plus the fauna that live in them & loss of screening of the new buildings) is a further tragedy. Trees assist with combating climate change, are visually delightful, house wildlife, keep temperatures lower in the immediate area. So many reasons to keep the trees.
3. Traffic and parking. The school redevelopment will already add huge amount of cars to the surrounding streets (as that development was unable to provide enough spaces for the extra staff, students & parents). Now this nursing home development of 100 beds with only staff car paring to be provided on site, will further increase the issues. 100 beds means visitors, family and allied health professionals will have no where to park except the already crowded streets nearby. On top of the increased traffic of delivery trucks, garbage trucks and other vehicles.
Marrickville ave is the gateway and only entry/exit point and it is already suffering badly with existing traffic and will of course take all of the construction traffic.
4. Over height. The 60% over height proposal is an outrage. It should not be allowed under planning law on top of the visual disturbance created for residents and the sheer arrogance of the owners that this ok. It is not ok. It is simply not appropriate for this already crowded and overdeveloped, enclosed site.
5. Community Consultation. There was NO consultation of the residents most impacted - we on challis ave that have houses directly behind the development were NOT consulted. The map in the report clearly shows this. That is disrespectful and deliberate to exclude those most affected (and those most vocal) - it was clearly a calculated omission that we were excluded. The community consultation report is therefore contrived and deliberately constructed to give the impression that they have done the work to inform residents. The report is not a proper representation of the community. The process should be done again to allow us to be fully informed and be part of the report.
6. The documents of the proposed development are woefully inadequate in showing the facade and depiction of the building. There are no detailed plans to examine and connect on,

I have several objections;

HERITAGE WALL RISK
The wall leans dangerously — yet no remediation is planned.
Excavation this close is a serious safety hazard for nearby homes.

TREE LOSS
4 significant trees to be removed — including for a substation that could go elsewhere.
Excavation threatens the remaining trees.

TRAFFIC & PARKING CHAOS
Marrickville Ave will be the only entry/exit for all cars, staff, deliveries, and construction vehicles
— with grossly inadequate parking, parking for staff and visitors will have to spill over into
surrounding streets

NO VISUALS, NO CLARITY
No renders or drawings provided.
No way to assess privacy impacts of a 4-storey building overlooking homes.

WAY OVER HEIGHT
Proposed height: 15.2m — over 60% above the legal limit.

NOISE, NOW AND ONGOING
No noise impact modelling for residents during construction or adequate noise protection for
residents for ongoing operation of the facility

ZERO REAL COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Despite a glossy report, locals have seen no plans, attended no consultation sessions, have not
been able to ask questions and have had no say.

Dear Sir / Madam
If this is a residential area with height restrictions on buildings, mechanical noise and vibrations etc, then the same rules should apply to everyone.
All these factors impact on us physically and psychologically as well as on the environment. If the height limit is two levels above ground for everyone, then that should apply here and the same conditions should also apply for mechanical noise from heavy duty air-conditioners, etc. Such equipment should not be placed where they annoy neighbors.
Thank you for viewing my concerns

I am seriously concerned about the structural safety of the heritage brick wall surrounding the nursing home.
We have no confidence that the wall is safe. It leans noticeably into many neighbouring yards and homes. The school has not given us any evidence that the wall can withstand the construction work it is about to endure. We insist that the first step the school must take prior to any construction works is to perform all necessary structural works to make the wall safe. We also insist that evidence from a reputable structural engineer is provided that unequivocally states that the wall is safe and can withstand the impacts of construction.

As a grandmother deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of my daughter's family in Marrickville, I feel compelled to express my apprehensions about the proposed 4-storey nursing home development in their neighborhood.

Foremost among my concerns is the stability of the heritage wall surrounding the Nursing home and School, which could be severely compromised by the construction work. The vibrations and heavy equipment pose a real threat to its structural integrity. My grandson often plays in the backyard, close to this wall, and the thought of any potential harm keeps me awake at night. The safety risks associated with a collapse are simply too serious to ignore.

Additionally, there are practical concerns about the increase in traffic and parking difficulties, which stand to be exacerbated by the new facility. Marrickville Avenue already struggles with limited parking, increased staff and visitors will likely mean parking issues will spill over into nearby streets.

The proposed building disrupts the neighborhood's character, with its towering height clashing against Marrickville’s established low-rise architecture. If approved, this could set a dangerous precedent for further high-density developments, threatening to alter the neighborhood’s residential nature.

Moreover, the strain on local infrastructure is a significant concern. Roads and utilities, already under pressure, might not cope well with the demands of a large facility. The risk of exacerbated flooding due to reduced green spaces and increased noise pollution from continuous operations further threatens the tranquility and quality of life that my daughter's family currently enjoys.

The loss of privacy due to a high-rise building overlooking residential homes, including my daughter's, is another important issue. The removal of trees would further exacerbate this lack of privacy. Additionally, the building would cast long shadows, limiting sunlight and affecting any potential use of solar energy.

The lack of adequate community consultation only compounds these issues, reflecting a disconnect between development plans and community needs. Established trees, essential to the area’s ecology, require stringent protection measures to preserve them through any construction.

There is an alternative site on Marrickville Rd, which is already zoned for such purposes, offering a solution that would prevent unnecessary disruption. Furthermore, the proposed site’s limited access raises significant safety concerns for both age care residents and staff, especially during emergencies.

Finally, the prospect of increased congestion threatens the ease and frequency of family visits, which could diminish the joy and support I provide to my daughter’s family.

Given these sincere concerns, I urge the authorities to reconsider this proposal in order to preserve the safety, character, and livability of Marrickville, which my daughter's family treasures as their home.

As a grandfather deeply concerned for the well-being of my daughter and her young family residing in Marrickville, I wish to express my apprehensions regarding the proposed development of a 4-storey nursing home. My concerns are as follows:

Firstly, there is the matter of potential damage to the heritage wall due to construction vehicles and vibrations. The collapse of this structure could precipitate significant structural damage to nearby homes and pose considerable safety risks. Additionally, the proposed building's height greatly exceeds existing limits and threatens to alter the established character of Marrickville, renowned for its charming low-rise residences.

The anticipated increase in traffic and parking challenges also necessitates serious consideration. It is distressing to contemplate that visiting my daughter and her family could become increasingly difficult, particularly as Marrickville Avenue already experiences limited parking availability. My concern is increased parking challenges will flow into surrounding streets.

Furthermore, the privacy of my daughter’s household is at stake. The construction of a tall building would overlook her home, and planned tree removals would exacerbate this invasion of privacy. The resulting shadows from the new structure could affect access to sunlight, thereby hindering potential solar energy use and impacting garden growth.

From an infrastructure standpoint, the strain on local roads and utilities is a pertinent issue. Existing flooding problems could be exacerbated by a reduction in green space. Additionally, increased noise resulting from 24/7 operations would disrupt the tranquility of this residential area, affecting the well-being of my daughter’s family.

The reduction of green spaces is also a significant concern, as these areas are integral to the community's identity and appeal. This development may detract from the historical charm and unique streetscape of Marrickville. Moreover, approval of such a project could establish a precedent for further high-density developments, potentially altering the residential nature of the area.

Many residents share these concerns, and the lack of adequate community consultation is concerning, reflecting a disconnect between the development plan and the community's desires and needs. Moreover, there is a significant risk to established trees, which require comprehensive protective measures during construction activities.

I would also like to note that a site suitably zoned for nursing home development is available on Marrickville Rd. Furthermore, the proposed site's single access point raises significant concerns regarding safety during emergencies. Increased congestion may adversely impact the frequency and ease of family visits, thereby affecting my ability to support my daughter's family.

Given these considerations, I strongly urge the relevant authorities to reconsider this development proposal, prioritizing the preservation of the character and livability of my daughter’s neighborhood.

I object on the grounds of the massive scale of the proposed building, not enough parking for double the number of visitors. Other issues include the significance of the heritage wall, the increased stormwater impact, the traffic, green habitat and safety. This 7 acre site houses a church, pond, preschool, primary & High School & a nursing home. It is already breaking at the seams with staff parking occurring all over the surrounding streets. The Maronite Village has made agreements to residents regarding parking in the street, noise, etc and constantly breaks these agreements.
Already 12 parking spaces have been provided for visitors so at least a minimum of 24 would be expected. Yet many nursing home visitors park in front of houses in Marrickville avenue, perhaps too impatient to wait for someone from the already overworked office staff to buzz them in through the locked front gates. This 100 bed facility with the number of staff & visitors that it will generate will only worsen the impact on our avenue. More cars, more service vehicles & more garbage.
Already service trucks reverse up the road at all hours, every day because there is no turning circle or verge at the end of the street where the nursing home gate opens. This has resulted in a number of accidents in driveways of Marrickville avenue residents from Nursing home visitors reversing in the street. I propose they remove the gate & allow access to all their service vehicles, visitors & avenue residents as an appropriate ‘cul de sac’ turning circle. They could then follow Summitcare nursing homes’ example in other suburbs, where the nursing home residents enjoyed the outdoors on large porches with greenery on higher levels & providing them with safety, without stepping past the front door which can be securely locked. This will be an imperative once the ongoing access is provided to the teaching staff of the on-site high school for their car park, now accessed through Marrickville avenue & scheduled to be completed this year. (Another promise made to residents & broken)
Also, as the nursing home doubles in size so there will be an increased rubbish collection. Will it continue to be collected outside the gates where there is no verge but the front of the neighbours house? Although repeated complaints have been made regarding the smell, rubbish spilling over onto the street & the constant arrival every second day from 6am to all hours of the day reversing, private garbage ‘Bingo’ trucks announcing all the way along Marrickville Ave ‘Stand aside vehicle reversing’ this will increase two fold ‘ so everyday and double the number of bins. Will this be collected from within the grounds where there is already a ‘cul de sac’ turning circle?
Our home is only located 1 house block from the wall of this site & the proposed 4 storey level will affect our access to winter sun, creating a huge shadow over our house & garden & imposing & loss of privacy.
The importance of the heritage wall maintenance has been overlooked for the past 30 years by the Maronite Village. As part of their scheduled development of the High school the wall was to be reinforced before the construction started this year but this has not happened. Who is keeping track of these breaches of planning agreements? This creates safety issues for residents & the massive development close to the wall, places it at further risk of collapse. This affects public safety & residences’ properties.
There has already been a major breach of ‘Historical conservation’ down the road on ‘165 Livingstone Rd’ where a historic building was torn down overnight and no development moratorium was placed on the site such as the famous Walton’s building site in the city.
The storm water drain has an overflow pit which results in water running down the low side gutter of Marrickville avenue days after rain. This build mass will only worsen this affect.
The redevelopment will require the removal of a number of established trees. No biodiversity study has been done of the impact of the excavation on the health of the established trees. With increased village population compounded by the increase in school students & staff, nursing home residents & staff more on site green space would be required for rest & harmony. This green habitat is an important part of the Marrickville environmental & mental health.
Apart from the redevelopment risking the heritage wall collapse how will this land locked site be safely evacuated in case of an emergency?
In the Sun Herald on 18/9/22 an article stated that the Maronite Church objected to a proposed development that was too big for the site and over shadowed surrounding buildings yet they are proposing to do the same here.
These proposed development changes to this small site are simply too much & have not taken into consideration it’s limitations, safety, impacts & the surrounding properties.

On the below issues affecting Marrickville Ave:
1/ Massive scale:
-The project is too large for the proposed site.
-The site is surrounded by houses & a school.
-Significant impact on privacy & noises of 'no through' Marrickville Avenue.
2/Traffic:
The 100 bed senior housing with large number of staff and visitors will be a massive impact on residents of Marrickville Avenue not to mention more cars, trucks..
Residents have already been impacted from the existing facility.
The entrance to the nursing home is from Marrickville Avenue and residents'parkings have been reduced significantly as staff also park on the street.
3/ Safety:
-About half of the residents in Marrickille Avenue are seniors and safety is the main concern given the massive scale of this project.
-How can a facility of this size be safely evacuated in an emergency.
4/ Storm water:
The storm water from the site often runs off the length of Marrickville Avenue.
The impact from storm water will get much worse with the development.
5/ The heritage wall:
The walls surround the Maronite complex is very old and the construction of 4 storey 100 bed facility and underground car park is a safety risk to the public and residents' properties.
6/ Community consultation:
Residents were last to know about the project via letter box drop in rather than an extensive consultation.
Thank you

I live very close to this proposed development and have not been made aware of any local consultation. I believe that the applicants have sought to mislead Planning NSW by claiming to have undertaken community consultation. The proposed site is an unsuitable location for the development proposed. I object to the development for the following reasons:

- the scale of the building on the proposed site, being four stories in a residential area of mainly single level houses. The building would dwarf the surrounding homes and have a significant impact on privacy.
The site itself is landlocked, surrounded by a school and houses.
- By contrast, one of the closest streets, being Hollands Ave, is subject to heritage regulations, whereby the roofline and external appearance cannot be altered - therefore, second stories cannot be added to these homes and presumably this is in part due to the small land size and density of living. The idea that such homes would then be dwarfed by a four storey building is entirely incongruous. Permitting a development such as this would make a joke of the heritage regulations on Hollands Ave and lead to grossly inconsistent planning outcomes.
- Hollands Ave is a one way street street, which is already extremely congested, particularly during church services at St Nicholas. Residents can often not park near their homes. Pine St has similar issues, and these worsen each year.
- I am very concerned about the lack of privacy for residents in surrounding homes.
- I am extremely concerned about the noise and parking issues that will arise from such a development.
- I understand there are significant, unresolved issues concerning the nearby heritage wall.
- I object to the additional strain this proposed development would place on the local stormwater, noting substantial flooding already experienced in Pine St, Hollands Ave and surrounds.
- I am not aware of any consideration of the environmental and biodiversity impact of this development.
- this is simply the wrong location for a development of this scale. It would seem that the Maronite Church is seeking to encroach further and further into this residential area, seeking to buy up homes to greatly increase their footprint in this established residential area.

I object to the project on a number of grounds. This includes the substantial impact the size of the project will have on the surrounding area including homes, drainage and natural wildlife in and around the site. There are also a number of issues that haven’t been addressed and community consultation has not occurred before this point. Issues that need to be addressed include its impact on local traffic and parking, the protection and remediation of the heritage wall, the impact of the site on stormwater, the removal of established trees and the lack of biodiversity study on the impact of wildlife as well as the inappropriate scale of the redevelopment for the landlocked site and area. My household thoroughly objects to this project.

This development will create numerous issues for the community living near the proposed works. This development has not taken into account the deficit of parking already within the area, and with a capacity of 100 beds the need for parking will increase to a unsustainable level. Not only will there be a need for visitor parking, but the staff will need parking for their vehicles as 800m to the closest railway station is too far, especially with shift workers finishing after dark.
As a regular visitor to the area to visit family I feel that parking is already difficult. The construction and further developments with make this increasingly difficult and a nightmare for the community.

1. Traffic and parking
Basement parking will be inadequate and even the traffic impact statement (TIS) states that during staff changeover there could be up to 50 staff present. 28 on site prior and only 21 car, 5 motorcycle and 9 bicycle parking spots. I suspect the bicycle and motorcycle spots would not be used much during winter and by those on night shift. Those who can’t fit will park in the surrounding streets and I doubt would be able to go and move their car when spaces may become available, especially those on night shift. For village 1, as the TIS states, Marrickville train station is almost 1 kilometre away and again, I can't imagine anyone finishing late is going to want to walk to the station.
While everyone is in Village 2, parking on the street will become even more difficult. Canonbury Grove, Margaret Street, Beach Road, Challis Avenue and Wardell Road are already over parked and there is no parking on site in Village 2. Workers already park on the surrounding streets to Village 2.
2. Heritage wall
The heritage wall that backs onto residential houses is in disrepair, has a bad lean towards resident’s backyards and is currently braced from the school side which is I presume to protect students from danger.
This has been an ongoing issue for 30 years with nothing being done to preserve the wall and make it safe. See attached photos.
3. Safety of residents during an evacuation
In any emergency, the landlocked nature of the site, would be difficult to evacuate given it is an aged care facility and if at night, even less staff to evacuate the 100 residents.

As a resident of Marrickville, I strongly oppose the development application for a 4-storey nursing home in our residential area. Here are my reasons:

1. Out of Character with Our Neighbourhood
A 4-storey building simply doesn’t fit with the existing low-rise homes in our area. It would completely disrupt the established look and feel of our streetscape.

2. Increased Traffic and Parking Problems
I’m concerned about the extra traffic and parking issues this facility would bring. Staff, visitors, and service vehicles would create congestion and make it even harder for residents like me to find parking.

3. Loss of Privacy
A building of this height would overlook my home and those of my neighbours, taking away the privacy we currently enjoy in our backyards and living spaces.

4.Overshadowing and Loss of Sunlight
A four-storey structure would cast long shadows over nearby houses and gardens, reducing the natural sunlight that we rely on.

5. Strain on Local Infrastructure
Our local roads, utilities, and community services are not designed to handle the increased demand that a large facility like this would bring.

6. Noise and Disturbance
Nursing homes operate around the clock, and I worry about the increase in noise from deliveries, ambulances, and daily operations, especially in what is now a peaceful residential area. Particularly as it is not zoned for this purpose.

7. Loss of Green Space
A larger building footprint usually means less room for gardens and open space, which would reduce the greenery and amenity that make our suburb special.

8.Impact on Heritage and Streetscape
Marrickville has a unique historic character, and I believe a modern, high-rise facility would detract from the area’s heritage value.

9. Setting a Dangerous Precedent
If this development is approved, it could open the door for more high-density projects, further eroding the residential character of our neighbourhood.

10. Community Opposition and Social Impact
I know many of my neighbours share these concerns. Approving this application would go against the wishes of the local community and negatively affect our quality of life.
add risk of damage to large we'll established tree and causing damage and collapse of heritage wall during construction and priority before construction.

11. Damage to Established trees
I also strongly object to this development because of the serious risk it poses to a large, well-established tree on or near the site. Construction activity can easily damage tree trunks and roots, leading to long-term health decline or even death of the tree, which would be a significant loss for our community’s environment and streetscape. Before any construction begins, there must be a comprehensive tree protection plan in place, including fencing, root zone barriers, and arborist supervision, to ensure the tree’s preservation.

12. Existing Nurse Home for sale in the area.
There is an existing nurse home for sale on Marrickville Rd, which is zoned and been cleared by residents already. Perhaps exisiting site should be purchased and retrofit instead of new development.

13. Risk of collapse of Heritage wall
Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the potential for damage and even collapse of the heritage wall during construction. Improper building methods or vibration from heavy machinery can weaken or crack heritage masonry, especially if cement or incompatible materials are used, leading to irreversible harm and death of residents. Protecting this heritage wall must be a top priority before any work commences, with expert assessment and strict controls to prevent structural damage. The school has a 30 year history of failing to address the risk posed by the wall, despite repeated complaints and warnings from structural engineers.

Both the tree and the heritage wall are irreplaceable assets to our neighbourhood. Their protection must take precedence before any construction is considered and enforced conditions of development.

For all these reasons, I urge the council to reject this development application and preserve the character and livability of our neighbourhood.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, Marrickville Seniors Housing project. I reside directly adjacent to the proposed development, and I have significant concerns regarding the impact of this project on my property and wellbeing, as outlined below:
Exceedance of Maximum Height Restrictions:
The maximum height of building control in this suburb is stipulated at 9.5 meters. The proposed development anticipates a maximum height exceedance of approximately 6.9 meters, reflecting a variation of around 72.6%. This substantial increase threatens the privacy that my family and I currently enjoy, as presently safeguarded by the tall heritage brick wall at the rear of my property. The proposed building would far surpass the height of this wall, enabling staff, residents, and visitors to overlook my house and backyard. The infringement on privacy is a significant issue that must be addressed before moving forward.

Concerns Over the Stability of the Heritage Wall:
There are grave concerns regarding the stability of the heritage wall, which already exhibits a significant lean towards my home. Independent engineering reports have highlighted that the wall is at risk of collapsing, posing a serious threat to property damage and, more critically, the safety of my family, especially my young child who frequently plays in the backyard. The anticipated construction activities pose a considerable risk of exacerbating the wall's deterioration or triggering its collapse.

Considering these points, I implore you to reevaluate the proposed development plans, keeping in mind the safety and privacy of the existing surrounding community. I urge you to enforce the current building height regulations strictly and undertake a thorough assessment of the impact that this project will have on the adjacent properties and structures.

Thank you for considering my concerns. I hope that my objections are given due consideration in the decision-making process.

I'm writing in support of this project. For a suburb so close to the city and with so many amenities, Marrickville is dramatically lacking in density. And with a housing crisis and an ageing population, this facility will be valuable for the community.