PYMBLE
,
New South Wales
Message
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development application for the construction of a 6-story building and associated works in our residential neighbourhood. While acknowledging the need for educational facilities, this proposal presents significant and unacceptable environmental and amenity impacts that threaten the very character and liveability of Pymble.
My primary concerns are as follows:
1. Irreversible Loss of Mature Trees and Biodiversity: The proposed development necessitates extensive tree removal, including mature, trees. This is particularly alarming given Pymble's reputation for its green beauty and the critical ecological role these trees play. No rooftop planting can genuinely replace the ecological value, canopy cover, and environmental benefits of established trees. Ku-ring-gai Council's Development Control Plan (DCP) Part 13 explicitly protects trees and vegetation, prohibiting injury or removal without consent, and mandates replacement plantings, especially in biodiversity areas. Furthermore, the removal of "blue gum trees" is of grave concern, as "Blue Gum High Forest" is a critically endangered ecological community in Ku-ring-gai. A school, as an institution dedicated to future generations, should be a steward of environmental preservation, not a force for its destruction.
2. Inappropriate Scale and Visual Bulk in a Residential Setting: The introduction of a 6-story building fundamentally alters the low-density residential character of our neighbourhood. This sets a dangerous precedent, risking the transformation of Pymble into an area akin to Macquarie Park, where high-rise developments have impacted air quality, natural vegetation, and local peace. Our neighbourhood is cherished for its green, open spaces and tranquil environment. A building of this height and bulk will lead to significant visual intrusion and high rise normalization which directly conflicting with the amenity residents here expect and deserve.
3. Detrimental Impacts from Demolition, Excavation, and Construction Traffic: The extensive demolition and excavation required for this project will inevitably generate substantial noise and dust pollution, severely impacting local air quality and the health of residents, particularly children and those with respiratory conditions. Our community has already experienced significant disruption from previous construction, with heavy trucks operating from early hours (e.g., 4-5 am on Everton Street), causing noise, traffic congestion, and a loss of peace. Pymble is chosen by many for its healthy environment, and these prolonged disturbances are unacceptable. While a Construction Traffic Management Plan is anticipated , past experiences suggest that such plans may not adequately mitigate the profound impact on daily life.
4. Sustainable Alternatives Over Expansion: If the school requires additional space to accommodate more students, a responsible and less impactful approach would be to explore alternative strategies. The NSW Department of Education itself considers multi-campus models and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings as viable solutions to manage student growth and reduce pressure on single sites. A wealthy institution has the capacity to invest in such sustainable and community-sensitive solutions, rather than imposing further strain on an already established residential area. Prioritising expansion on a single site at the expense of local environmental and residential amenity is a selfish approach that disregards the well-being of the surrounding community.
We urge the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to thoroughly consider these significant concerns, uphold the environmental and amenity standards that define our community, and reject this development application in its current form. The long-term health, character, and liveability of Pymble must be prioritised over unchecked expansion.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this vital matter.