Mixed use development including infill affordable housing - Victoria Street and George Street, Burwood

Dear Burwood City Council,
I am a resident of Burwood, residing at George St. I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the construction of the high-rise building at 28-34 Victoria Street, which has severely impacted my daily life.
Firstly, the excessive height of this project has significantly obstructed my view, causing substantial psychological discomfort. According to the original planning regulations, the height limit for this building was set at 60 meters. However, during the construction process, an additional 10 floors were added, bringing the total to 40 floors, which clearly exceeds the initially approved height limit. This violation of the height restriction not only breaches the original planning provisions but also adversely affects the living environment of the surrounding residents.
Secondly, the construction begins as early as 6 a.m., causing severe noise disturbances. The noise from the construction has drastically affected my sleep quality, making it impossible for me to get adequate rest. This persistent noise pollution has greatly impacted both my physical and mental well-being, as well as that of other residents.
In light of the above issues, I earnestly request that the Council takes this matter seriously, thoroughly investigates whether this project complies with relevant planning regulations, and implements measures to mitigate the impact on nearby residents. I hope the Council will instruct the relevant departments to take immediate and effective actions, such as strictly regulating the construction hours to ensure the noise is kept within reasonable limits, and reviewing and rectifying the height of the building.
Thank you for your attention and understanding. I look forward to a prompt response and resolution to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
George
25/7/2024

Dear Prity Cleary
Please refer to the attached covering letter and attachments objecting to SSD-69615996.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss.
Kind Regards

Please see attached submission

I OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL OF "MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING INFILL AFFORDABLE HOUSING - VICTORIA ST AND GEORGE ST, BURWOOD" (SSD-69615996)

THE REASONS WHY I OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL ARE:


The proposed developments will increase Burwood's already large population density (5960 people per square km), hereby furthering vehicle congestion and air/noise pollution. This is detrimental to the wellbeing of residents. In fact, many people cross George St when walking to Burwood Westfield. Adding over one hundred extra units and car spaces to this narrow one-way street will increase traffic accidents between cars and pedestrians.

Additionally, with every development project, Burwood's roads have seen excessive damage (cracks on the asphalt; potholes) from heavy vehicles and machinery. These damages are never fixed by developers. Instead, the problem is passed on to the rate-payer, who is forced to shoulder the increased council rates that are needed to cover the damages. All property owners already complain that Burwood's council rates are too high, and this will not alleviate matters.

Furthermore, high-rise buildings and their extensions cost more to construct and maintain than other dwellings. Logically, when these new units are sold, they will not be cheap! With this, in addition to the high price of rent, the promise of "affordable" housing might as well be a joke.

The NSW government's in-fill affordable housing plan identifies accessible development areas as those within an 800 m walking distance from a train, metro, or light-rail station. Why then, is Burwood chosen for this excessive (unnecessary!) development, and not suburbs such as Strathifield or Concord? Both of these have a significantly lower population density: 3423 people per square km for the former and 2908 people per square km for the latter. Concord is even building a metro station as we speak!

It cannot be overstated, that for its inevitable burden on the health and wellbeing of Burwood's residents, the proposed projects on Victoria St and George St are completely unnecessary, and should not be approved.


ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Grouping together high rise buildings in the same urban area creates wind-tunnels. The inevitable wind-tunnel between the Deane St high-rise building and the proposed George St apartments will make it extremely cold and galelike during winter. We already experience this in places such as Deane St and Elsies St, not to mention between Burwood Plaza and the entire stretch of high-rise apartments on Railway Parade.

Moreover, high-rise buildings are not beneficial to the environment. As they require thicker foundations, material that already has a high carbon-footprint is required in larger volumes. In fact, research has shown that high-rise buildings generate 140% more greenhouse gas emissions than lower buildings. (https://www.nature.com/articles/s42949-021-00034-w)

Please see attached letter.

As an occupant in the building across from where this is happening, I object to this project. There has already been a number of high rises that have been built in the surrounding area and their construction has blocked off roads and caused immense noise pollution. It's not only an inconvenience to the surrounding residents but these new buildings will block off sunlight and views of the city which is largely why I bought this apartment. This will also drive down the property value of mine and other apartments around the area.

As a resident, I’m concerning about this development, particularly its impact on the views & property value. This proposed project will significantly block the views that many of us in the community currently enjoy. I urge the planning authorities to consider these concerns seriously and to explore alternative solutions that could mitigate the negative impacts on our community. Perhaps a lower-rise development or an adjustment in the design could achieve the developer's goals without compromising the views and quality of life for existing residents.

Thank you for considering my objection. I hope that our community's interests will be taken into account in the decision-making process.

The building will have too many occupants. There need to be consideration for the amount of traffic congestion. There is only one main way to exit George st and it already gets too busy and crowded to exit the street.

Consult with the local and state council to install traffic lights at the end of George st and open back up Deane st to allow multiple exits from George st and Deane st area.