The Timberyards by RTL Co.

All of Sydney needs major upzoning. More housing is needed everywhere, and especially in the innerwest.

I strongly oppose the proposed development due to its significant and detrimental impact on the existing community. Please read supporting document for detailed information.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Timberyards, 8-storey development in Marrickville. As a concerned local resident, I believe this development poses significant risks and challenges to the community, the environment, and the long-term livability of the area. Below, I outline my key concerns:

1. Height and Scale of the Development
The proposed development of 8 storeys greatly exceeds the current legal limit of 3 storeys for buildings in this area. This is a substantial increase in height, which I believe will negatively affect the character of the neighborhood. Marrickville is a vibrant and close-knit community, and the scale of this development would be out of place in an area that has been traditionally low-rise. This will fundamentally alter the local landscape and diminish the quality of life for current residents, as it would lead to increased overcrowding, reduced sunlight, and potential privacy issues.

2. Inadequate Parking and Traffic Congestion
One of the most concerning aspects of this development is the insufficient provision of parking. With only 216 car spaces allocated for 1,188 units, the parking situation will be untenable. The development will undoubtedly exacerbate existing parking problems in the surrounding streets, leaving local residents with limited options for parking their vehicles. This will increase congestion, make it more difficult for residents to park, and place undue strain on the local streets, which are not designed to handle such a significant increase in demand.

3. Pressure on Local Services
The influx of residents into such a large development will undoubtedly put considerable pressure on local services, particularly childcare and healthcare facilities. Marrickville is already home to many families and individuals who rely on these services. The introduction of a significant number of new residents, many of whom may be young families, will stretch the capacity of existing services and lead to longer wait times and reduced quality of care. This could severely impact the community’s ability to access essential services.

4. Traffic and Infrastructure Strain
An additional 1,188 units will create a significant increase in traffic within the area. The local roads, which are already experiencing congestion, will face even greater strain, particularly during peak hours. The proposed development does not appear to account for the additional traffic and the inevitable burden this will place on the surrounding infrastructure. The current transport options may not be sufficient to accommodate such an increase in demand, and the development could lead to gridlock and further degradation of the local area’s amenity.

5. Incompatibility with Local Character and Community Needs
The primary argument that this development is intended to provide housing for families is not supported by the development’s design. With a high proportion of 1-2 bedroom units, it is clear that this project is not aimed at accommodating families, as claimed. This development will likely attract young professionals or individuals, leading to an imbalance in the type of housing available in Marrickville and further contributing to the pressure on local amenities and infrastructure. The community's needs are for more family-sized homes, not more small, high-density apartments that will only add to the challenges we already face in terms of space and services.

In conclusion, I believe that this development, as proposed, will have a detrimental effect on the local area and its residents. I urge you to reconsider this proposal and ensure that any future developments align with the needs of the community, the character of the area, and the capacity of local infrastructure.

Thank you for considering my objection.

Hi,
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of The Timberyards by RTL co. As a resident of the area, I am deeply concerned about the potential negative impact this development may have on my family, particularly on the health and well-being of my 2 children (newborn child and a 5 years old MPS kindergarten)
My primary concern is the impact the construction, increased traffic, and any associated environmental changes could have on my children’s health. Newborns are especially vulnerable to air and noise pollution, dust, and other environmental hazards that often accompany large-scale developments. The noise from construction equipment and increased traffic can disturb the essential sleep cycles of young children, potentially leading to stress and developmental issues. Additionally, exposure to dust and pollutants from construction sites could exacerbate respiratory issues or lead to long-term health problems for my baby.
I respectfully request that these health implications be considered in the planning and approval process for this project. I would also appreciate if an environmental impact assessment specifically addressing the risks to vulnerable populations, such as infants, be conducted and made publicly available.
I urge the NSW Project planning team-to either reconsider or modify the development proposal to minimize its impact on families in the surrounding areas. This could include limiting construction hours, implementing dust control measures, and conducting more thorough assessments on the potential health risks to infants and young children.
Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to your response and hope that the health of my newborn and others in the neighborhood will be prioritized in any decisions regarding this development.

Thank you

This proposed development will have a large negative impact in the ways below
- changing the character of the area. Many homes in the area are heritage and the frontages must be retained to protect the character of this area. Whilst the homes that will be demolished may not themselves have a heritage layer, to demo such a huge area to build a big white cube of apartments changes the area that many move here for
- the height of the apartments. Building this many storeys makes it a total eyesore in the area and has overshadowing impacts for surrounding properties
- environmental impacts - changing such a huge block of houses with backyards to all be one big concrete block means it's all concrete for runoff and removes a whole lot of trees. There's been talk in the west of being concrete and what it does for heat as well and now
- this number of apartments will have an impact on roads and services that are already straining. There has been development after development even within a couple of hundred metres of this proposed development, and the area can't cope. There isn't enough use of Contributions money that would buy properties to use as facilities and services for the community. Everything from parks to pools to libraries are already at fever pitch in terms of numbers.
- the proposed height contravenes with council's own policy
- it's not clear or proven as to how this wil address housing affordability. In theory it may, however it doesn't address it for people already struggling and there's a chance at least some will be boltholes or will be on the likes of air bnb, in turn driving up prices.
So much of Sydney and its old buildings have been demolished over the years. It would be a shame to continue to do so

Subject: Objection to State Significant Development Application - Timberyards RTL Co. (SSD-76927247) - Marrickville

To the Planning Department,

My name is Damien Rhodes, and I reside at 40 Edward Street in Marrickville. I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed State Significant Development (SSD) application submitted by Timberyards RTL Co. for the development located around Farr St, Sydenham Road and Victoria Road, Marrickville. I am deeply concerned about the scale, density, and potential impacts of this project on our local community.
Summary of Concerns:
I object to this development due to its excessive scale, incompatibility with the existing neighborhood character, potential strain on local infrastructure, perceived lack of adequate community consultation, and potential environmental impacts.

Explanation of Concerns:
Scale and Density:
The proposed development, confirmed by the planning portal (https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/timberyards-rtl-co), represents a significant overdevelopment of the site. The sheer size and height of the proposed buildings are disproportionate to the existing residential landscape of Marrickville.
This level of density will drastically alter the character of our neighborhood, creating an urban environment that is out of scale with the current low to medium density housing.
Personally, I am concerned that the height of the buildings will block sunlight and create wind tunnels

Impact on Local Character and Amenity:
The proposed development threatens the unique character and amenity of Marrickville. The increased density will inevitably lead to increased noise, traffic, and a loss of privacy for existing residents.
As highlighted by the community website (https://timberyardscommunity.com/), there are widespread concerns about the development's impact on the streetscape and the overall quality of life in the area.
The increased traffic will make it dangerous for children to walk to school.
I am also concerned about the potential for overshadowing of existing homes, and the loss of views.

Infrastructure Strain:
The influx of new residents will place a significant strain on existing infrastructure, including roads, schools, and recreational facilities.
I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic congestion on Farr Street.
There is insufficient parking built into the proposal which will severely impact on local parking.

Lack of Community Consultation:
The community website clearly demonstrates the widespread opposition to this development, indicating a perceived lack of meaningful consultation with residents.
I feel that the concerns of the local community have not been adequately addressed in the planning process.
I feel that the community should have been involved in the initial design phases of this project.

Proposed Solutions:
I suggest that the height of the buildings be reduced to three stories for Sydenham Road and no more than five stories for the other buildings

Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to the proposed State Significant Development application for Timberyards RTL Co. in Marrickville. I urge the planning department to carefully consider the concerns of the local community and reject this application, or require significant modifications to mitigate its negative impacts.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Damien Rhodes
0450 015 823

The scope of this proposed development will severely change the lifestyle of the local area. It will impact not only our parking availability which is already severely under supplied but also traffic congestion.

I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed Marrickville Timberyards development. This project is a forward-thinking and sustainable approach to urban growth, addressing critical housing needs while enhancing the livability and vibrancy of Marrickville. Below, I’ve outlined the key reasons why this development deserves approval.

Addressing Housing Demand and Affordability
Marrickville is one of Sydney’s most in-demand suburbs, with housing supply struggling to keep up. The proposed development, offering 1,200 units, will help ease this pressure. By increasing supply, it will improve affordability, making the area more accessible to a diverse range of residents, from young professionals and families to essential workers. The inclusion of affordable housing ensures lower-income households aren’t left behind, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community.

Sustainable Transport and Climate Action
The development’s focus on sustainable transport is a standout feature. With 278 car spaces and 762 bike spaces, it prioritises active and public transport, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly mobility. Its proximity to Sydenham Metro Station (a 10-minute walk) and Marrickville Road shops (a 7-minute walk) makes it ideal for residents looking to reduce car reliance. By encouraging walking, cycling, and public transport, the project will help cut emissions, supporting Sydney’s broader sustainability goals.

Supporting Local Infrastructure and Community Resources
The development’s location near Marrickville Public School, currently 300 students under capacity, presents a unique opportunity to revitalise local infrastructure. Increased enrolments will bring more resources to the school and strengthen the sense of community. This is a win-win for both new and existing residents, ensuring local services are used to their full potential.

Enhancing Livability with Retail and Public Spaces
The inclusion of retail spaces, affordable housing, and public areas shows a commitment to creating a vibrant, well-rounded community. Retail offerings will provide convenience for residents and attract visitors, boosting the local economy. Public spaces will serve as gathering points, fostering social connections and enhancing the area’s livability. This ensures the development isn’t just a collection of buildings but a thriving, interconnected neighbourhood.

High-Quality Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The development’s design is both thoughtful and visually appealing, reflecting Marrickville’s character while incorporating modern, sustainable architecture. Aesthetically pleasing projects like this contribute to a community’s pride and identity, setting a high standard for future developments in the area.

The Marrickville Timberyards development is a visionary project that tackles housing shortages, promotes sustainability, and enriches the local community. It aligns with smart growth, environmental responsibility, and social equity, making it a model for future urban development in Sydney. I strongly encourage approval of this project, as it represents a significant step forward for Marrickville and its residents.

Thank you for considering this submission.

Ben Cullen

I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding the proposed development and its potential impact on my property at 203 Victoria Road, Marrickville. Please find below the relevant context and questions for your consideration.

Context:
1) I am the owner of the property located at 203 Victoria Road, Marrickville.
2) When the precinct was initially proposed (circa 2018), the plans did not indicate any adverse impact on my property.
3) Subsequent to the initial proposal, the Department of Planning placed an SP2 road reservation across approximately 50% of my property to accommodate road widening, purportedly required to support increased traffic arising from the development.
4) When I raised this matter with the Council, I was advised that the decision was made by the Department of Planning. Upon contacting the Department and the Minister, I was informed that compensation would be provided under the “just terms” provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 through the Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA 2018/9539).
5) The VPA remains in place, and the proposed development, which includes over 300 residential lots, would appear to trigger compulsory acquisition of my property.

In more recent discussions, I have been approached by the new proponent, who indicated that preliminary traffic analysis suggests that road widening may no longer be required. However, the SP2 road reservation and VPA remain in effect.

Questions for Consideration:
1. How can it be reasonable that the addition of well over 300 residential lots will not result in increased traffic in an already congested area?
2. If road widening is deemed unnecessary, how will I be compensated for the SP2 reservation on my property? The only offer made by the proponent was significantly below market value. When questioned, I was informed that the SP2 zoning had devalued the property, which has left me materially disadvantaged.
3. In the event that the development proceeds without necessitating increased road capacity, the VPA and SP2 reservation must be removed. How will this be incorporated into the development approval process?

Please let me know if this is not clear or you have any questions.

Regards
Robert

I fully support the housing development at Marrickville, known as Marrickville Timberyards. The 1200 units & 8 storeys with 278 car spaces & 762 bike stands will add to housing supply and improve affordability within Marrickville.

Also being 10 mins walking distance from Sydenham Metro station, 7 mins from shops on Marrickville Rd. It will give choice to people who prioritise being active and encouraging more public transport usage and less private car usage.

The project will also mean increased enrolments and more resources for Marrickville Public School which is 300 students under capacity.

There is a Facebook campaign against this project. I suggest you ignore it.

Since I moved to the Inner West a dozen years ago, I’ve been astonished by the amount of very low quality rental accommodation offered to the market by unprofessional landlords. Even expensive rentals are terrible (I’m familiar with a $1500 per week rental property that’s had three tenants in the last two years because there are enough roof leaks to make it unliveable)

A professionally run build-to-rent development offering long term leases close to public transport and community facilities is exactly what my suburb needs.

I am writing to object to the current Timberyards proposal for the following reasons:

1. Traffic and Parking Issues
Traffic assessments provided are unrealistic and wholly insufficient. Victoria Rd is already highly congested by current traffic levels. The traffic assessment suggests that the removal of 33 driveways and closure of the existing largely unpatronised businesses/vacant premises will mean that there will be a net zero impact of the addition of 1188 additional residences (900 without parking).

Even if proximity to public transport halves car ownership in the development relative to the population, this will still leave 100s of cars without off street parking, on streets where 24hr clearways would become a necessity to open additional lane flow. A reliance on weekday peak hour survey data also does not reflect the actual use of the roads which, from experience, peak on weekends.

2. Disregard of height controls, resulting in overdevelopment and excessive overshadowing
Submission reflects a request to waive height limitations on the basis that this is required to allow for inclusion of affordable housing. There is nothing to stop developer from reducing overall unit numbers and including affordable housing within height limits. The current limitations do not undermine the State Government’s efforts to increase affordable housing supply, but rather limit the developer’s desire to overdevelop the land and maximise profit. WItb two of the street frontages largely single-storey dwellings, this will also cause unacceptable levels of overshadowing to a large number of existing Marrickville residences.

3. Affordable housing
The proposal does not allow for a sufficient allocation to affordable housing, in either total volume or type (i.e. minimal non-studio or 1-bed apartments). The proposal also only includes an in-principle agreement from an affordable housing management company for 15 years, with no explanation as to how this will be allocated, managed or what assurances are included that these premises would remain ‘affordable housing’ in perpetuity beyond this period.

4. Spirit of plan
The proposal claims to be acting in accordance with a number of planning documents, but is in fact at complete odds with them. Namely:

A. National Housing Accord 2022: The proposal notes that the NSW government response to this sought to prioritise more diverse homes, yet this proposal contains a suggested 876 1-bed, studio or bedsit spaces (some 74%) which provides no diversity or space for families. It also prioritises locations where infrastructure can support new housing. As above, the concentrated volume of dwellings cannot be supported by local roads. Family-based infrastructure (schools, childcare) is also likely to be stretched even by the minority inclusion of larger dwelling sizes.

B. Greater Sydney Region Plan - A Metropolis of Three Cities: Bus services with current traffic volumes do not allow travel of more than a few kilometres in less than 30 minutes. This will not improve with 1188 additional dwellings placed on a small block along bordering two arterial roads. As above, this proposal also provides no diversity as claimed and will stretch existing infrastructure beyond its limits.

C. Eastern City District Plan: Dictates suitable road infrastructure which, again, does not exist. This also states that proposals should maintain local character, which is of 1-2-storey dwellings and industrial space, not remotely reflected in 8-13 storey towers.

D. Inner West Local Strategic Planning Statement: identifies affordable housing as a priority, whereas this proposal treats it as an afterthought which is used to justify applications to disregard existing size limitations. This planning statement also again highlights the need for supporting infrastructure (not met, as above) and respect for local character (not met, as above).

To be clear, I do not oppose the site being developed for the provision of housing but the size, insufficient allocation to affordable housing, and lack of regard for local infrastructure and character means this should certainly not progress in its current form.

Strongly support this proposal for more housing, especially the social and affordable housing, at the timberyards. I personally pass here after over an hour of commuting, its a disgrace that high income earners like me cannot afford to live anywhere near work in the city, thousands more like this proposal. The design looks great. It makes sense to prioritise active transport and having high bike parking and low car parking, because its 10 minutes from the metro and 10 minutes from Marrickville shops. If anything it would be more appropriate for this to be taller and more dwellings to address the housing crisis and attract more families to the area - especially since the school is 300 students below capacity.

I am concerned the development application as it stands will lead to overcrowding of our local Marrickville Public School and result in substandard education outcomes for our children.

Firstly, the addition of new residences will significantly increase the population within the school’s catchment area. The influx of new students will likely stretch the school's already limited resources.

Research consistently shows that overcrowded classrooms negatively impact students' ability to learn effectively. Teachers are overburdened, and students may not receive the necessary guidance and support they need to succeed. This is particularly concerning for younger children, who require more personalized attention to develop foundational skills.

Secondly, the physical infrastructure of the school is not equipped to handle a sudden increase in student numbers. Limited classroom space, outdated facilities, and insufficient recreational areas will inevitably lead to a compromised educational environment. The quality of education will deteriorate as the school struggles to accommodate the growing student body.

Furthermore, an overcrowded school can lead to increased stress and anxiety among students. A congested learning environment is not conducive to a positive educational experience and can hinder students' social and emotional development.

I would like the developers to amend plans to address the inevitable overcrowding of the local public school to ensure no student receives a compromised education.

We do not have the infrastructure in place to support this amount of units. Our roads can barely cope now it will put pressure on schools transport and we are already getting to overcrowded as is.

The The Timberyards by RTL Co. in Marrickville - SSD-76927247 - cannot go ahead. The ghastly Wicks Place development across the road by the same company is hideous. This will go down as one of the most terrible developments if it does go ahead. Victoria Rd is now a parking lot because of the over crowding adding another 500+ apartments will cause traffic chaos. I understand people need housing. But surely this needs to be scaled back somewhat? Have we gone completely mad? The fact that this bypasses local council is crazy. It effects the local community but they get little to no say. You have dropped the ball on the Wicks Place development. Please do not make the same mistake with SSD-76927247.

I object to this project on the basis that:
- there is a brand new apartment block opposite this site on Victoria Road. Although incomplete, this is having a massive impact on the infrastructure and general amenity of the area
- parking is not adequate in this area and building this development will bring many more vehicles to the area, with on street parking. For existing residents with only access to on street parking this will cause a significant drop in amenity. If this development does go ahead then something needs to be put in place to protect residents ability to park near to their residences
- Surrounding streets, including Sydenham Road, Illawarra Road, and others are already struggling with significant local traffic, as are bus routes

Since the opening of Wicks Park apartments, the traffic around the intersection of Victoria Rd and Sydenham Rd has increased significantly. The intersection is single lane outside peak hour. I don't believe in its current form, the intersection is capable of handling the increase in traffic associated with another 1,200 apartments within the vicinity.

Is there a plan to upgrade the intersection with right hand turning lanes or removing parking for a longer period throughout the day and night? How many entry points are planned for the complex and will there be improved infrastructure at said entry points (e.g. turning lanes, merging facility, etc).

Separate to the immediate intersection, the traffic around Marrickville Metro has worsened since the opening of the extension to the shopping complex, as well as the opening of Wicks Park apartments. With another 1,200 households in the near vicinity, is there a plan to upgrade the infrastructure around the shopping centre?

I am all for development to improve and benefit the community, but not when it comes at the expense of current residents.
The proposed height of the buildings ranging from 8 to 13 storeys is way too high and I believe the current legal maximum is 3 storeys?? Buildings with the proposed height would block sunlight from our house which we rely on for our solar panels, our greenery and also our enjoyment.
If there are over 1000 units but only about 200 or so car spaces, where are the rest of the residents going to park?There aren’t enough parking spaces along the streets/council park and will further add to congestion on our already crowded roads. Sydenham and Victoria Roads are already congested and noisy enough and the addition of potentially thousands more people will create even more havoc on our roads.
Will our local existing infrastructure and services be able to cope with the influx of so many more people? E.g. local schools, medical centres, childcare.
The current proposal as it stands is not acceptable as it would cause more harm than good.

My property is 122 Sydenham Rd and will be directly affected by the shading from this development.
I have invested in solar panels and a house hold battery. The plans indicate that my property will be in shade from 9am each day. Obviously this will have a detrimental affect on our capacity to generate rooftop electricity.

The development is not in keeping with the streetscape. It would make more sense to have the he higher buildings pushed back and lower level properties at the Sydenham Rd street front.

I understand the need to build housing and acknowledge that we all need to share the space of our neighbourhood, however this shouldn’t put established properties in a position where they are disadvantaged by excessive building height and shading caused by this.

Sincerely

Darren Friend
122 Sydenham Rd
MARRICKVILLE 2204
0422522888