Mixed Use Development at 17-24 Loftus Cr, Homebush

I have major concerns for the traffic reprot and utiltiy and flood reports.

1. Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns Regarding Appendix O – Transport Impact Assessment
I strongly object to the conclusion of the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) that the existing road infrastructure can accommodate the proposed development without capacity upgrades. My concerns are outlined below:

A. Morning Peak Traffic Conditions
The TIA indicates only minor increases in delays (1–2 seconds) at major intersections; however, this analysis relies on average delays and Level of Service (LOS), which do not reflect the worst-case scenarios or the experience of local drivers.
Key arterial intersections (Parramatta Rd/Bridge Rd and Parramatta Rd/Knight St) are projected to operate at LOS C/D by 2035—technically “satisfactory,” but close to capacity. Any incident or signal fault could result in significant delays.
The analysis fails to account for future adjacent developments, including the proposed 75m building at 21 Loftus Crescent and 136m building at 12 Loftus Crescent.

B. Trip Generation Assumptions
Residential trip rates (0.19 trips/unit/hr in AM) are at the lower end for Sydney, assuming high public transport uptake. If actual car usage is higher—due to school runs, shift workers, or limited public transport—traffic volumes will exceed forecasts.
Retail trip estimates are modest; however, if a high-turnover retail outlet operates, these figures may be underestimated.

C. Loftus Lane Usage
Loftus Lane must not be used for construction vehicles. It is a one-way road, yet the swept path analysis (Page 135 of Appendix O) shows dual-direction vehicle movements, which is unacceptable.

D. Pedestrian and Cyclist Impacts
Pedestrian LOS at signals is LOS E (54-second delay), which is poor.
No upgrades are proposed to improve pedestrian or cyclist safety at intersections expected to experience increased traffic.

2. Appendix II – Utilities Infrastructure
The report does not confirm whether the existing utilities infrastructure can adequately support the proposed development. Key authorities, including Ausgrid, Jemena, and Sydney Water, have not been contacted, and no formal confirmation has been obtained. A Section 73 Feasibility Application should be lodged with Sydney Water to verify water and sewer capacity before proceeding.

3. Appendix M – Flood Impact Risk Assessment
Shelter in place - the floor level shall be higher than the PMF, not only to the relative FPL. Also the PMF level should also consider climate change factor (20%).

The height of the proposed building is too high and not compatible with the surrounding developments. This will bring congestion to the roads nearby, especially in the morning school runs, which I see daily. Whoever did the consulting omitted this fact. Homebush train station will also get busier, with peak hour services already crowded. Local schools might not be able to cater for the influx of people. This area is being over-developed at present, with at least 3 residential towers already under construction. Once completed the problems mentioned previously will get exacerbated.

35 storeys is a lot of height and will overshadow the surrounding area.
There is a lot of traffic already in the area and getting in and out of Homebush is often difficult. Adding 352 more cars will create havoc and huge traffic problems.
Where are these families going to send their kids to school. The little local school is already full. Homebush station is already crowded adding so many extra people will make getting train almost impossible. I do not object to a smaller block of units being built but there has to be a considered assessment of the problems that any new development will cause.

1. Overdevelopment and congestion in this part of Strathfield LGA.
As you're aware from Homebush onwards and towards the west, there are many unit vacancies available. Do a search on RealEstate.com.au and you'll see currently there are 33 2-bedroom units below $750K unsold in the suburb of Homebush. We're now adding more units even though existing units fail to sell. The reason they fail to sell is because of over congestion, traffic and no malls etc. We already have another 214 apartments nearby at 21 Parramatta Rd, Homebush which will add to this congestion.

2. The widening of Loftus Lane doesn't help
The widening of Loftus Lane only supports access in inner roads surrounding the project. It doesn't help traffic for nearby residents as there will be a hold up to enter Loftus Lane and Subway Lane from Parramatta Rd, since it's only 2 lanes going in 1 direction and both Loftus Lane (where the project is), and Subway Lane is a one way street.

3. The proposed shop lots will be empty.
Like many of the others shops along Parramatta Road, with lack of street/public free parking, retails outlets will not thrive in this environment. Look at all the retail shop lots along Parramatta road. If they're already not successful, why build more when there won't be any business and will therefore only end up with empty lots or unattractive businesses?

4. Strathfield LGA not doing their part.
Have a look at the inner road condition at Loftus Lane (the whole stretch) and observe the portholes. Look at the uneven road entrances (terrible strip of road condition) to Crane St from Parramatta Rd. The council is not doing anything to address the safety of vehicles. Many blind spots when entering Crane St from Loftus Lane, cars parking on both sides causing only 1 car lane on Crane St when it's supposed to be 2 lanes. This is my only entry from and exit to Parramatta Road. Adding another few hundred units to this part of Homebush doesn't help as the widening of road (not just at Loftus Lane) and parking issues have to be addressed.

5. Use other parts of Strathfield LGA.
Strathfield LGA is big, and there are many big houses occupying lands where nearby there are no apartments. More buyers will be attracted to these areas since they get no traffic congestion and perfect unblocked views from above. We have to spread out the density. There's now like the poor side of Strathfield LGA (huge density like in Homebush) and the rich side nearer to Strathfield station where hardly any units available for sale because of....Strathfield Plaza and it's a major station. Why not have a Homebush Plaza occupying 17-24 Loftus Cr, or even the unused 11-16 Loftus Cr? If the upcoming Metro is at Homebush I have no objection as many will use public transport...but the thing is it's at North Strathfield so you'll need more apartments there, not here. Homebush unlike Strathfield doesn't have that Express train that makes 2-3 stops to Central even though our population is increasing due to oversupply of units in this suburb.

I know targets need to be met to build more homes, but trust me, if this project goes ahead it will be a failed project with many avoidable issues, unless we first start with building a Homebush Plaza (with Coles or Woolies) with multilevel parking. Then whatever apartment you propose/approve to build will be welcomed by residents as it will be a win-win for all. Eg. when undercover parking provided, street parking not required making way for 2 way traffic etc.

I support the project

I object to the project in it's current form, because I do not think it includes a sufficient amount of affordable housing given the context of the housing crisis. I am one of the tenants that would be displaced for my home to be demolished and developed into flats. I am not against turning these 5 or so houses into apartments, but it is insulting and inadequate that only 12 of 318 residences are to be designated affordable housing. If we are to address the housing crisis, we need to build housing for people not profit. I am sure the developer would still make a worthwhile amount of money from the project even if it were 100% affordable housing, rather than the measly less than 4% that is currently proposed.

If the following two measures were introduced to the plan, I would support the project
1. Minimum 50% of the dwellings to be affordable housing
2. Priority access to that affordable housing given to my neighbors, the people who will be displaced to make way for this development.

Dear Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure,

I am a resident living near the proposed development site at 17–24 Loftus Crescent, Homebush.

I understand the broader housing objectives and acknowledge that mixed-use development can provide long-term benefits if appropriately managed. However, I have serious concerns about the construction impacts and ongoing neighbourhood impacts given the size of the proposal (including two residential towers up to 27–35 storeys, demolition and basement works, and a concurrent rezoning request).

As a resident living on Level 3 with a balcony facing Loftus Crescent, I expect the most significant impacts to relate to noise, vibration, heavy vehicle movement and parking congestion. I request the Department apply strict conditions to minimise impacts on existing residents and ensure the project can proceed without unacceptable disruption.

1) Construction noise, vibration and disruption (major concern)

The proposal involves demolition, excavation and major construction over a multi-year period. Noise and vibration impacts will be particularly significant for nearby residents on lower levels (including my dwelling).

I request conditions requiring:

strict limits on construction hours including:

clear controls on early morning starts

limits on weekend work

strong restrictions on any out-of-hours works (and clear approval process if needed)

a comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) including:

noise monitoring at sensitive residential receivers

vibration monitoring (especially during excavation, piling and concrete works)

clear triggers for action if noise/vibration exceed thresholds

advanced notification to residents for high-impact works (e.g. demolition days, concrete pours, major truck movements)

complaint handling requirements with:

a single point of contact

response time commitments

reporting transparency and corrective actions

2) Dust, air quality and general liveability impacts

Dust and airborne particles from demolition/excavation will significantly affect surrounding residents and balconies, particularly for nearby apartments at lower levels.

I request conditions requiring:

strong dust suppression measures and active monitoring

restrictions during high wind days

ongoing cleaning of surrounding footpaths/roads affected by construction activity

management of airborne emissions during demolition and spoil handling

3) Construction traffic + truck routes (access and safety)

Given the scale of the project, heavy vehicle movements will materially impact local streets and residents’ access.

I request:

a detailed Construction Traffic and Transport Management Plan including:

nominated heavy vehicle routes designed to minimise impacts to residential streets

strict controls to prevent truck queuing, idling, and blocking roads

clear pedestrian safety controls (including around crossings and driveways)

strict timing controls to avoid peak congestion periods where possible

4) Parking congestion and impacts to local residents

This proposal will increase local density significantly and will likely worsen parking pressures both during construction and following occupation.

I request conditions requiring:

a construction workforce parking plan that prevents workers from using local residential street parking

active enforcement measures and signage during the construction period

ongoing traffic/parking assessment for operational impacts, with mitigation requirements if spillover parking impacts become excessive

5) Road capacity, congestion and appropriateness of density increase

The proposed development scale (including the concurrent rezoning for increased building height and floor space ratio) appears excessive given the existing local road network and congestion levels in and around Homebush.

I am concerned the current road and surrounding infrastructure does not appear suitable to accommodate the additional traffic, servicing vehicles, visitors, deliveries and rideshare activity generated by an additional 318 dwellings and associated retail uses.

I request the Department require:

a robust and transparent traffic assessment that reflects realistic peak demand and cumulative impacts

measures to prevent significant worsening of congestion and local access conditions

appropriate mitigation works where impacts are identified

6) Overshadowing and loss of solar access to surrounding buildings

Given the proposed tower heights (up to 27–35 storeys), I am concerned about the potential for unacceptable overshadowing and loss of solar access to surrounding residential buildings and public areas.

I request the Department ensure:

detailed shadow diagrams are provided for key times of year (especially winter)

the design is amended where overshadowing impacts are excessive or unreasonable

building setbacks and massing are adjusted to minimise solar access impacts to existing residents

7) Neighbourhood amenity and street safety

A development of this scale should not reduce the safety or usability of the surrounding public domain during construction.

I request:

safe and clearly separated pedestrian paths during the works

appropriate lighting and safety controls in areas affected by construction hoarding or reduced footpath access

strong management of retail/activation outcomes to ensure amenity is improved without causing nuisance impacts

Closing

In summary, my primary concerns relate to construction noise/vibration, dust, heavy vehicle impacts, parking congestion, and the broader issue of whether the proposed scale is appropriate given existing road capacity and congestion.

I request the Department impose strict, enforceable conditions and (where required) design changes to minimise impacts on neighbouring residents and protect local amenity.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Please refer to attachment

The heights suggested for the development will not impact Bankstown Airport's Airspace, any cranes utilised to build will most likely intrude into airspace and developers will need to be made aware of the requirements to have cranes assessed.

This proposal is only good with direct access to Parramatta Road, otherwise, the roads would be too crowded

The 2 towers located on top of the podium appear to be modelled as solid, with no articulation or inclusion of corner or inset balconies as is shown on the architectural drawings. In accordance with the AWES QAM-1-2019 guideline the study model should be fabricated to within 2% accuracy of the architectural drawings, which clearly has not been undertaken in this instance. The lack of detail or inclusion of balconies may have a substantial impact on the measured wind tunnel results as presented in the report along the podium and ground planes. The report does not indicate if there will be any safety concerns especially for the corner balconies, which are generally the most susceptible to issues due to corner wind acceleration effects. Given the site receives no immediate shielding from neighbouring buildings this could in fact be a major issue for certain balcony areas, which would need to be mitigated.
The report indicates strong wind conditions (comfort and safety) for a majority of the area within the central podium section with Points 43 equal to the Safety Criteria (23m/s), P44 and 45 equal to 22m/s. Although these areas are deemed to satisfy the safety criteria is the inclusion of vegetation substantial enough to ensure comfort conditions are met for the majority of the year?
The point layout also does not meet the Recommended Assessment area as outlined in AWES which is to investigate up to a distance of half the building height away from the building boundary. This area should cover points further along Loftus Lane as well as across the rail line. I would advise that the towers are remodelled in accordance with architectural drawings and the test undertaken to ensure that the approved architectural design does not cause adverse wind impacts within and around the site.

I am a nearby resident on Loftus Lane and make this submission in response to the exhibited Planning Proposal.

While I acknowledge the need for increased housing supply, I object to the proposal as exhibited due to its excessive scale, inconsistency with local planning controls, and adverse local impacts.

Key Planning Concerns

• Inconsistency with LEP Zone Objectives
The proposed 27–35 storey towers are incompatible with the established low- to mid-rise character of Loftus Crescent and do not provide an appropriate transition to surrounding residential areas.

• Excessive Height and FSR Uplift
The proposal seeks to increase height from 75m to up to 119m and FSR from 3.6:1 to 7.81:1. This more than doubles existing controls and significantly exceeds the scale of nearby approved developments (typically 5–8 storeys), without adequate site-specific justification.

• Amenity Impacts
The proposed height and bulk will result in unacceptable overshadowing, privacy loss, visual dominance and potential wind impacts that cannot be adequately mitigated. It will also affect the existing park adjacent to the proposed site.

• Traffic, Parking and Road Constraints
Loftus Crescent and Loftus Lane are narrow local streets not designed to accommodate traffic generated by 318 dwellings and retail uses. Despite on-site parking provision, congestion, safety risks and parking spill-over are likely.

• Infrastructure Capacity
The proposal does not demonstrate sufficient capacity or funded upgrades for local roads, open space and community infrastructure to support the scale proposed.

Conditional Support

I would support a revised mixed-use outcome subject to:
• Reduced height generally in the range of 6-8 storeys
• Clear height transition toward Loftus Lane and adjacent low-density areas
• Reduced FSR consistent with nearby approvals
• Limited, neighbourhood-scale ground floor retail
• Comprehensive traffic, parking and infrastructure upgrades

Conclusion

For the above reasons, I request that the Planning Proposal be refused as exhibited and substantially revised to achieve a context-appropriate mixed-use outcome.

1. The places are developed in the last 10years, we have already meet increasing volumn of people
2. the site where about to build, is the main and important entrance from one side of the street, it will affects our daily transport during development (like they will block the road etc)

The area is already congested with too many apartments with insufficient space for parking and infrastructure. The traffic is horrendous and is already terrible with multiple businesses such as Crash Claims and other automotive shops which block the roads.

What the area needs is more green space, more parks and improved traffic and parking conditions. Furthermore, all apartments in the area are low rise buildings with most around 7 or 8 storeys. The suggested project is 27-35 storeys which will affect the current aesthetics of the neighbourhood, block our views and cause further congestion to the area.

The local infrastructure cannot support another 400+ residents in the area. Please tell us where everyone is going to park considering each unit comes with minimal car spaces, and the businesses in the area already take up our street parking.

The local Homebush train station is considered a small station with minimal trains on their timetable. This clearly has not been factored into this proposed addition of all these “new residents”. Rather than focusing on building as many units as possible for a cash grab, think of the current residents and how this project will affect the neighbourhood.

I highly oppose to this project as it needs to be either halted until the above factors have been resolved, and at a minimum should be downsized to a low rise apartment like the rest of the neighbourhood.

I believe that the infrastructure in Homebush has not caught up with the sharp increase of population. At the moment, there are already 3 new apartment buildings in the making, and now they want to build 2 more towers with 318 apartments. I am assuming 318 new families, plus the new families in the other 3 large, brand new apartment buildings, will move in those apartments within the next few years, then which school will have enough capacities to support all these kids, definitely not Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The burden will be carried by all the public schools in the Homebush area.

Then we need to think about roads, hospitals, childcare, public transport, public spaces and shopping centres that could fit the needs of all these new families. All of which we are not yet have. And when push comes to shove, when inflations plus economic downturn plus high interest rate created a perfect storm, they blame on immigrations right away. Not on poor planning of infrastructure or years of bad policies and definitely not on greed.

I understand the effort of trying to build 12 affordable housing units is commendable. However, if we don't do anything about the economy, if we just go on trade war without thinking of the affect on the common people, then the housing problem cannot be solved, even with 10 millions new affordable housing units.

I implore you all to take a good, hard look at the lesson of Marsden Park - a suburban infrastructure planning nightmare, where schools are overcrowded and the roads are filled with traffic jams. These problems will cause chronic stress, which will then put more pressure on the healthcare systems in the long run.

If you want to build this complex, please make sure you have the correct infrastructure for the new wave of people. This will reduce overall stress for everyone. I just want that one day, Homebush will be as beautiful as Burwood or Eastwood.

The 75 metre height limit is the maximum height that should be permissable in this location. Nothing more. If this is approved should we have up to 50 storeys the closer we get to the station? Loftus Crescent is a narrow road with a narrow footpath. Totally inappropriate for a 35 storey building. There's only one footpath as the other side of the road is the railway. The amount of cars these proposed apartments will bring onto the roads will be such that there will be chaos every morning and afternoon. The roundabout on the corner of Loftus Crescent and Subway Lane will not be able to cope with the number of cars that will be passing through there everyday.
This area has a lack of amenities and this proposal does nothing to help with that. The mention of express trains passing through Homebush is deceptive as they don't stop at Homebush.
Once again, 35 storeys is far too much for this location. The infrastructure here just can't support two buildings of heights up to 119m. Parramatta Rd, the main road that passes through here at this location isn't coping with the traffic volume as it is now.