The Timberyards by RTL Co.

The project area is already congested area with historical houses, businesses, school and community. The existing infrastructure including roads, train lines, hospital, schools, parkings, sewer, water supplyand etc are not catered for the size of development. This will only create caos in the area.

The existing Roads such as Victoria Road North/South , Sydenham Road to the East/West are connecting Parramatta Road, Princess Highway, Airport, Enmore/Newtown, and are arterial roads,and again this size of development will destroyer the area.

I have concerns regarding the limited number of affordable housing options. I also don't think the current proposal takes into account the actual housing need, i.e. not enough 3+ bedroom apartments for families.

Whilst I support increased housing in Marrickville including a new precinct in this area I do not believe this Timberyards development has been designed to fit into the area or be conducive to creating a community.
The lack of parking on site will negatively affect the residents who move in as well as others living nearby.
There are far too many one bedroom units on the plan which at market value will be highly unlikely to be affordable to those wishing to engage in a rent to buy scheme and end up with investors purchasing and renting them out. A major part of this project is affordability however with so few of the apartments set aside for 'affordable housing'
Aside from the new Wicks Park building other unit blocks in the area have been capped at much fewer floors and I believe one of the planned buildings falls in an area which is zoned to be maximum 3 floors which is the appeal of this area of Marrickville.
This development in the current plans will create a shadow over my entire front yard and the entire section of Sydenham Road negatively affecting our lifestyle.
We love living in Marrickville and want plenty of others to experience our amazing suburb however this project is greedy on behalf of the developers and will not fit well with the surrounds.

The accounted for number of car parks is insufficient for the size of the project. It is unreasonable and unrealistic to not account for every apartment to have a car spot. Occupants having a car would be the exception, not the rule.
The surrounding roads are not equipped for street parking.
Further, the planned height of the buildings is much too high for the area. It is a suburban area after all. 13 storey unit blocks do not go with terrace houses.
This development is not Marrickville nor should it be.

It’s too high.
There aren’t enough social or affordable apartments.
There need to be more 3+ bedroom apartments to cater for families.

I object to the project in its current form for the following reasons
1: The project is 8 stories high on Sydenham Rd. This area is zoned for 3 stories. 8 stories on Farr St would leave very little light for properties on the opposite side. The project assumes that these would be developed later. This may not eventuate and would significantly reduce the amenity of these properties.
2: The project has less than 25% parking spaces available to dwellings leaving more than 900 dwellings without access to on-site parking. Locally there is very little parking and Sydenham Rd and Victoria Rd have time specific restrictions. There is an assumption in the documentation that renters/BTR developments do not require vehicles. This seems shortsighted.
3: The main residential and delivery access for the project is on Farr St. Increased traffic could be a danger to children travelling to and from school.
4: There is no plan for services in the area.
5: There are very few dwellings with more than 2 bedrooms. This is not useful for families.
6: There is very little affordable housing provision.
7: While there is a significant need for more available accommodation in the area, prioritising developments such as this will limit options.

I am concerned about the high density proposal as well as the limited parking available.
This will lead to congestion on the roads and the suburb is not equipped to handle the density proposed.
The units should also be bigger with larger floor space and rooms.

The building at 8 storeys high is not in keeping with the surroundings. I recognise the need for medium density developments but this is too much. If it was under 4 floors it would be ok.

I am writing to formally lodge my objection to the proposed development at The Timberyards by RTL Co. This development poses significant concerns for the local community and I urge the council to reject this proposal for the following reasons:
1. Exceeding Legal Height Restrictions & Overshadowing
The proposed development exceeds the legally permitted height limit, resulting in an excessive overshadowing of surrounding residential properties. This infringement will severely impact natural light access and the general livability of affected homes, contravening existing planning regulations.
2. Proximity to Primary School & Safety Risks
The proposed residential and delivery driveways are located on Farr Street, a major pedestrian thoroughfare for children walking to the nearby primary school. The increased traffic, including heavy vehicles making deliveries, creates a serious safety hazard for young students and their families, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
3. Incompatibility with Local Character & Inadequate Buffering
The design of the development fails to harmonise with the established character of the local community. The absence of an appropriate buffer between the development and nearby residences will significantly impact privacy, aesthetics and the overall residential atmosphere. The scale and density of this project are entirely out of place in this area.
4. Traffic Congestion & Parking Deficiency
The addition of 1,188 apartments will place an unsustainable burden on the existing road network. The proposed allocation of only 240 car spaces for over 1,000 apartments is grossly inadequate, forcing additional vehicles onto surrounding streets where parking is already limited. Residents and visitors will struggle to find parking, further exacerbating congestion and frustration for the existing community.
5. Insufficient Infrastructure to Support High-Density Living
Unlike cities such as Tokyo and London, our community lacks the developed public transport infrastructure necessary to support high-density populations. Without substantial investment in transport, road and essential services including medical, school and childcare facilities , this development will place undue strain on public amenities, emergency services and local facilities.
Given these serious concerns, I strongly urge the council to reject this development proposal in its current form. The wellbeing and safety of existing residents, particularly school children, must be prioritised profit and an over an ill-conceived high-density project that disregards the character and capacity of our community.
I appreciate your consideration of this objection and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Amanda Beveridge (local resident)

I strongly object to SSD-76927247 - The Timberyards by RTL Co.
As a resident of Marrickville, I have significant concerns in regard to parking issues.
I refer to the Environmental Impact Statement
3.13.3 Carparking The development proposes a total of 278 carparking spaces, which includes 238 residential spaces (including 22 equipped with a car share vehicle), 33 retail spaces and 7 RTL Co staff parking spaces.
How can this amount of parking accommodate the 1,188 dwellings?
With an additional increase of 1,188 households, there will be significant negative impacts on places such as Marrickville Metro shopping Centre. Congestion on roads, insufficient parking. There are at present insufficient medical practices and childcare facilities. Will our local primary and high schools manage with the increase in population?
I can envisage that this develop could improve Marrickville local area, if things such as additional parking onsite be increased and the height of the buildings facing Sydenham Road be lowered from 8 storey to 3.

the height of the proposed development is above the legal limit, too high which will overshadow our sun and the number of units is way too many with very few parking spots resulting in even more difficulty in finding a parking spot in our area.

I strongly object to SSD-76927247 - The Timberyards by RTL Co.
As a resident in the local area, I have significant concerns especially in regard to parking issues.
Recently Wicks Park development was approved, this is directly opposite on Victoria Road. The area is minimal compared to what is proposed for The Timber Yards. We have been impacted by this development from when building works began, no parking for residents due to the huge number of workers, now issues continue as there is insufficient parking for the residents who live there, let alone their visitors who park in adjacent streets.
I refer to the Environmental Impact Statement
3.13.3 Carparking The development proposes a total of 278 carparking spaces, which includes 238 residential spaces (including 22 equipped with a car share vehicle), 33 retail spaces and 7 RTL Co staff parking spaces.
How can this minute amount of parking accommodate the 1,188 dwellings considering that most people own at least 1 car? Where will all these people park? Yes, not everyone has a car, but the majority do. This is insufficient.
Also, the bulk and scale of the proposed development facing Sydenham Rd. Consideration needs to be taken on the overshadowing and privacy of those residents whose properties are directly opposite (as the design breaches the 3-storey height limit to build 8 storeys) as well as privacy for those who reside in Frampton Avenue.
There also seems to be an insufficient amount of housing for larger families. The development only has allowed 40 x 3-bedroom dwellings from the 1,188.
More appropriate planning is needed regarding the increase of 1,188 households. Marrickville Metro shopping Centre is overcrowded as it is. There are insufficient medical practices, childcare facilities. How will local primary and high schools cope with the additional numbers?
Please take into consideration what the residents are requesting. This proposal has many things that will further develop Marrickville into a more vibrant precinct, but consideration needs to be taken regarding the negative the impacts on residents who already live here.
Thank you.

I totally reject this proposal as a total over stretch of developer flex. It does not address any concerns of the local area and will only serve to reduce the quality of life in the neighbourhood.
There is little affordable housing. Less than 10% of these units are set aside for Affordable Housing. This plan does not provide enough housing for low-income residents. In today's climate we need more housing assistance.

The design does not suit the character of the neighbourhood and it it too high. The Sydenham Road block is 8 storeys high. The legal maximum is 3 storeys.
This increased height significantly impacts the existing homes on surrounding roads by overshadowing, creating wind tunnels and reducing privacy in existing homes being overlooked by this monstrosity.

Parking in the area will become impossible. There are 1,188 units being built, with only 216 parking spaces planned. Where are the other 972 households park? This is ridiculous! I know it is close to public transport but people who can afford to buy here will have a car. It is naive to say otherwise. The number of parking spots must be increased.

The numbers of apartments with less than two bedrooms is ridiculous. This doesn't address the middle housing gap so prevalent in the Inner West see article https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/the-sydney-suburbs-excluded-from-missing-middle-housing-plan-20250226-p5lfa8.html
Of the 1,188 units coming, there are only 40 3-bedroom units and 275 2-bedroom units. This plan does not offer housing for families who desperately need it. More 3 and 4 bedroom apartments are needed to support families.

I do hope that the council will see fit to block this development in its current form. It needs to be only up to 6 stories and design d to step back appropriately from the roads. There needs to be more multi bedroom apartments and much more parking.

The height of this project is proportionally not in keeping with the area and the nearby streets and particularly across on the road on Sydenham Rd and the street perpendicular, Frampton Av. Parking on these streets is already over subscribed and with so few parking spaces in the new development the local streets will be even more congested and therefore unsafe for pedestrians and more importantly the elderly and children in the area. A ratio of only one car space to six apartments is extremely short sighted. There should be at least one parking spot for every apartment and anything less is simply poor planning. There is a huge and inaccurate assumption that the new owners/tenants will not have vehicles. This is an irresponsible assumption . The local schools and child care centres are overcrowded. How is the council preparing for over an additional 1188 apartments without the infrastructure and facilities? The walkway along Sydenham Rd to Sydenham Metro and Train Station is in disrepair and you want over an additional 1000 families committed to using it as they can not own a car. This whole development is unrealistic and without consideration for current and future residents.

the proposed storeys are above the legal limit and will significantly overshadow our homes in the surrounding area, losing most of our sun. 1188 units proposed with only 216 parking spots planned, parking in the area will be even more difficult. Too many units proposed.

The scale of the project is too large for local area.
I am very concerned about traffic on Victoria and Sydenham Roads and the effect on local parking.
8 storeys on Sydenham Road is too much

To whom it may concern;
On review of the plans for the Timberyards, I find some considerable items of concern. Firstly, the proposed height profile is more than two and a half times that of the largest building in the surrounds, this well beyond the lga council approved height and with the building to stand taller than the Wicks Place development at 182 Victoria Road, it would appear the only way such a decision can be taken is to circumvent council completely.
The suggestion of low-cost housing and a family oriented development is quickly eroded, when considering 1100+ units, all with a strong bias to 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. The inclusion of only 40, 3 bedroom units, appears geared to the benefit of the developer only, and not furthering what is a dynamic, family oriented enclave, close to the CBD and in the case of the Timberyards, abutting a primary school.
With the development of the recently completed Wicks Place, approved in 2019/2020, the car parking spaces were at a 1:1 ratio (lot/apartment). For the newly proposed Timberyards, a meagre 200+ car spaces are proposed. With this at a 5:1 ratio compared with the earlier development, what has changed over the past 4 years? Certainly not vehicle registration in NSW, having jumped over 250,000 units over the past two years. Consideration for the proximity of the Metro station at Sydenham could be considered, however it’s fair to assume those people attempting to make use of the proposed low cost housing, likely will not work within the CBD or lower North Shore.
Overall the height, number of small apartments and woefully inadequate car parking allocation stand to adversely impact the amenity for the impacted community, all without fostering a new one.
As I presume others will table similar concerns, I hope an independent panel can review and give thought and recommendation to, the positive impact a marginally smaller height line, coupled with increased parking and greater consideration for young families would bring to the community and ultimately, the residents of the development.
Yours sincerely,
B.

To whom it may concern
I object to SSD-76927247 - the Timberyards by RTL Co.
The 8 storey building would overshadow homes on sydenham road, especially in the afternoons and evenings. This would reduce the natural light residents currently enjoy, with some homes receiving only about 30 minutes of sunlight per day, which will make our homes much darker and less welcoming. It is avoidable and unessasary for a development proposed of this scale .

I formally object to the proposed development of The Timberyards by RTL Co. (SSD-76927247) due to its significant and detrimental impact on my property at 122 Sydenham Rd, along with countless others throughout Marrickville and Sydenham.

While I understand the need for urban renewal and increased housing options, the current proposal raises several concerns that must be addressed:

1. Loss of Natural Light: The proposed buildings, ranging from eight to thirteen storeys, will overshadow my property, leading to a substantial reduction in natural light. This will severely affect the quality of life for myself and other residents of Marrickville, along with reducing property value. Why should hundreds of residents in Marrickville have to be subject to this?

2. Increased Noise and Traffic: The scale of the development, including 1,188 apartments and commercial spaces, will inevitably lead to increased traffic congestion and noise pollution in the area. Sydenham road is already quite busy and congested at peak hour, the construction of this building will only dramatically exacerbate these issues and increase travel times.

3. Environmental Concerns: The removal of existing trees and the potential strain on local infrastructure, such as water and electricity, are alarming. The development must prioritise sustainable practices and ensure adequate infrastructure upgrades. Marrickville is already heavily urbanised, it doesn’t need the removal of even more plant life.

4. Community Impact: This should go without saying, but the introduction of high-density housing without sufficient public amenities and green spaces will strain existing community resources. The proposed development must include provisions for parks, schools, and healthcare facilities to support the growing population, otherwise there will be a dramatic decrease in the quality and availability of these services in Marrickville.

I urge the Department of Planning and Environment to reconsider the current proposal and work with the community to address these concerns. A more balanced approach that respects the needs of existing residents while accommodating growth is essential.

Good Afternoon Sir/Madam,
We are writing in relation to the Timberyards Development on Victoria Road, Marrickville. The Marrickville Chamber of Commerce has concerns about the insufficient parking provided for the apartments in this development.
The total number of apartments will be 1,188, yet only 216 parking spaces are planned. We are concerned about where the residents of this development will park, as the surrounding streets already face a significant shortage of parking. Given the limited parking spaces at this development, we believe it will only exacerbate the existing parking for all the businesses that are currently there such as the factories, small businesses and will also have a major impact to the retail strip on Marrickville and Illawarra road, Marrickville.
We look forward to your response.
Kind regards,

Morris Hanna OAM
President
Marrickville Chamber of Commerce