TOD - St Paul's Anglican Church, Bankstown

Please see attached my letter of support for this project.

Please find attached my formal objection to State Significant Development Application SSDA-4/2025 regarding the proposed demolition of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Bankstown (Submission ID: SUB-89663956). As a concerned community member I urge the NSW Government to carefully consider the significant heritage, legal, and community issues outlined in my submission. I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

Kiersten Fishburn
Secretary
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street
Parramatta NSW 2124

Attention: Adam Flynn

Re: SSD-79709963 – St Paul’s Anglican Church site redevelopment at 459-461 Chapel Rd, Bankstown
1/8/2025:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’m a part of the St Paul’s Anglican Church community at Bankstown and a resident in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. I wanted to write to you in support of the development planned on the current St Paul’s site on the corner of Chapel Rd and French Ave.
Not only will this new development provide our church with the kind of facilities that fit the needs of a modern congregation, but our area desperately needs more affordable housing, and the St Paul’s site would be a great location for the new social and affordable homes that are planned.
I was very encouraged to see that these 185 apartments will go to people who are already on the government housing waitlist—especially older women and essential workers. We see the need firsthand in our church and neighbourhood, and this kind of project is exactly what we need more of.
I believe that having a new, fit-for-purpose home from which St Paul’s can serve the local community for generations to come will be a real blessing for Bankstown. However, it’s also great to see that the building will provide new spaces for community use outside of service times right in the heart of the Bankstown CBD. I know our church is excited that those spaces could be used for events and other programs that build genuine connection and support networks throughout our community.
To my mind, the building design looks fantastic and fits with the high-density nature of the area – in fact, I think it will make a real improvement to the Bankstown city centre, as will the new retail and commercial spaces that form part of the proposed development.
It would be a shame if this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our community was missed.
Thank you for considering my submission. I think the project is a really positive step for the Bankstown community and I hope it receives approval.
Warm regards,
Karen Ko
44 Glendale Ave Narwee 2209

I’m a part of the St Paul’s Anglican Church community at Bankstown and a resident
in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. I wanted to write to you in support of the
development planned on the current St Paul’s site on the corner of Chapel Rd and
French Ave.
Not only will this new development provide our church with the kind of facilities that
fit the needs of a modern congregation, but our area desperately needs more
affordable housing, and the St Paul’s site would be a great location for the new social
and affordable homes that are planned.
I was very encouraged to see that these 185 apartments will go to people who are
already on the government housing waitlist—especially older women and essential
workers. We see the need firsthand in our church and neighbourhood, and this kind
of project is exactly what we need more of.
I believe that having a new, fit-for-purpose home from which St Paul’s can serve the
local community for generations to come will be a real blessing for Bankstown.
However, it’s also great to see that the building will provide new spaces for
community use outside of service times right in the heart of the Bankstown CBD. I
know our church is excited that those spaces could be used for events and other
programs that build genuine connection and support networks throughout our
community.
To my mind, the building design looks fantastic and fits with the high-density nature
of the area – in fact, I think it will make a real improvement to the Bankstown city
centre, as will the new retail and commercial spaces that form part of the proposed
development.
It would be a shame if this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our
community was missed.
Thank you for considering my submission. I think the project is a really positive step
for the Bankstown community and I hope it receives approval.

See attachment

To whom it may concern,
I regularly attend St Paul’s Anglican Church and I live nearby in Punchbowl.
I support the development planned on the current St Paul’s site. It seems to be an excellent use of the space, so close to the center of Bankstown. Our church needs more modern facilities for all the young kids and adults that attend. We're currently making do with what we have, but it won't be long before it becomes difficult, especially as our church has been growing lately.
I'm glad we can also offer affordable housing to benefit the wider community.
I really hope this project will go ahead.
Best regards,

Kiersten Fishburn
Secretary 
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street
Parramatta NSW 2124 
Attention: Adam Flynn

Re: SSD-79709963 – St Paul’s Anglican Church site redevelopment at 459-461 Chapel Rd, Bankstown

30/07/2025

Dear Sir/Madam,
I’m a part of the St Paul’s Anglican Church community at Bankstown and a resident in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. I wanted to write to you in support of the development planned on the current St Paul’s site on the corner of Chapel Rd and French Ave.
Not only will this new development provide our church with the kind of facilities that fit the needs of a modern congregation, but our area desperately needs more affordable housing, and the St Paul’s site would be a great location for the new social and affordable homes that are planned.
I was very encouraged to see that these 185 apartments will go to people who are already on the government housing waitlist—especially older women and essential workers. We see the need firsthand in our church and neighbourhood, and this kind of project is exactly what we need more of.
I believe that having a new, fit-for-purpose home from which St Paul’s can serve the local community for generations to come will be a real blessing for Bankstown. However, it’s also great to see that the building will provide new spaces for community use outside of service times right in the heart of the Bankstown CBD. I know our church is excited that those spaces could be used for events and other programs that build genuine connection and support networks throughout our community.
To my mind, the building design looks fantastic and fits with the high-density nature of the area – in fact, I think it will make a real improvement to the Bankstown city centre, as will the new retail and commercial spaces that form part of the proposed development.
It would be a shame if this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our community was missed.
Thank you for considering my submission. I think the project is a really positive step for the Bankstown community and I hope it receives approval.
Warm regards,


A.T
Bankstown NSW

Yes

I support the project and the reasons are outlined in the letter of support as attached.

Kiersten Fishburn
Secretary
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street
Parramatta NSW 2124

Attention: Adam Flynn

Re: SSD-79709963 – St Paul’s Anglican Church site redevelopment at 459-461 Chapel Rd, Bankstown
30/07/2025
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’m a part of the St Paul’s Anglican Church community at Bankstown and a resident in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. I wanted to write to you in support of the development planned on the current St Paul’s site on the corner of Chapel Rd and French Ave.
Not only will this new development provide our church with the kind of facilities that fit the needs of a modern congregation, but our area desperately needs more affordable housing, and the St Paul’s site would be a great location for the new social and affordable homes that are planned.
I was very encouraged to see that these 185 apartments will go to people who are already on the government housing waitlist—especially older women and essential workers. We see the need firsthand in our church and neighbourhood, and this kind of project is exactly what we need more of.
I believe that having a new, fit-for-purpose home from which St Paul’s can serve the local community for generations to come will be a real blessing for Bankstown. However, it’s also great to see that the building will provide new spaces for community use outside of service times right in the heart of the Bankstown CBD. I know our church is excited that those spaces could be used for events and other programs that build genuine connection and support networks throughout our community.
To my mind, the building design looks fantastic and fits with the high-density nature of the area – in fact, I think it will make a real improvement to the Bankstown city centre, as will the new retail and commercial spaces that form part of the proposed development.
It would be a shame if this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our community was missed.
Thank you for considering my submission. I think the project is a really positive step for the Bankstown community and I hope it receives approval.

Kiersten Fishburn
Secretary
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street
Parramatta NSW 2124

Attention: Adam Flynn

Re: SSD-79709963 – St Paul’s Anglican Church site redevelopment at 459-461 Chapel Rd, Bankstown
31/07/2025
To whom it may concern,
I’m a part of the St Paul’s Anglican Church community at Bankstown and a resident in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. I wanted to write to you in support of the development planned on the current St Paul’s site on the corner of Chapel Rd and French Ave.
Not only will this new development provide our church with the kind of facilities that fit the needs of a modern congregation, but our area desperately needs more affordable housing, and the St Paul’s site would be a great location for the new social and affordable homes that are planned.
I was very encouraged to see that these 185 apartments will go to people who are already on the government housing waitlist—especially older women and essential workers. We see the need firsthand in our church and neighbourhood, and this kind of project is exactly what we need more of.
I believe that having a new, fit-for-purpose home from which St Paul’s can serve the local community for generations to come will be a real blessing for Bankstown. However, it’s also great to see that the building will provide new spaces for community use outside of service times right in the heart of the Bankstown CBD. I know our church is excited that those spaces could be used for events and other programs that build genuine connection and support networks throughout our community.
To my mind, the building design looks fantastic and fits with the high-density nature of the area – in fact, I think it will make a real improvement to the Bankstown city centre, as will the new retail and commercial spaces that form part of the proposed development.
It would be a shame if this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our community was missed.
Thank you for considering my submission. I think the project is a really positive step for the Bankstown community and I hope it receives approval.

I’m an active part of the St Paul’s Anglican Church community at Bankstown and a resident in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. I wanted to write to you in support of the development planned on the current St Paul’s site on the corner of Chapel Rd and French Ave.
Not only will this new development provide our church with the kind of facilities that fit the needs of a modern congregation, but our area desperately needs more affordable housing, and the St Paul’s site would be a great location for the new social and affordable homes that are planned.
I was very encouraged to see that these 185 apartments will go to people who are already on the government housing waitlist—especially older women and essential workers. We see the need firsthand in our church and neighbourhood, and this kind of project is exactly what we need more of.
I believe that having a new, fit-for-purpose home from which St Paul’s can serve the local community for generations to come will be a real blessing for Bankstown. However, it’s also great to see that the building will provide new spaces for community use outside of service times right in the heart of the Bankstown CBD. I know our church is excited that those spaces could be used for events and other programs that build genuine connection and support networks throughout our community.
To my mind, the building design looks fantastic and fits with the high-density nature of the area – in fact, I think it will make a real improvement to the Bankstown city centre, as will the new retail and commercial spaces that form part of the proposed development.
It would be a shame if this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our community was missed.
Thank you for considering my submission. I think the project is a really positive step for the Bankstown community and I hope it receives approval.

Kiersten Fishburn
Secretary
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street
Parramatta NSW 2124

Attention: Adam Flynn

Re: SSD-79709963 – St Paul’s Anglican Church site redevelopment at 459-461 Chapel Rd, Bankstown
30/07/2025
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’m a part of the St Paul’s Anglican Church community at Bankstown and a resident in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. I wanted to write to you in support of the development planned on the current St Paul’s site on the corner of Chapel Rd and French Ave.
Not only will this new development provide our church with the kind of facilities that fit the needs of a modern congregation, but our area desperately needs more affordable housing, and the St Paul’s site would be a great location for the new social and affordable homes that are planned.
I was very encouraged to see that these 185 apartments will go to people who are already on the government housing waitlist—especially older women and essential workers. We see the need firsthand in our church and neighbourhood, and this kind of project is exactly what we need more of.
I believe that having a new, fit-for-purpose home from which St Paul’s can serve the local community for generations to come will be a real blessing for Bankstown. However, it’s also great to see that the building will provide new spaces for community use outside of service times right in the heart of the Bankstown CBD. I know our church is excited that those spaces could be used for events and other programs that build genuine connection and support networks throughout our community.
To my mind, the building design looks fantastic and fits with the high-density nature of the area – in fact, I think it will make a real improvement to the Bankstown city centre, as will the new retail and commercial spaces that form part of the proposed development.
It would be a shame if this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our community was missed.
Thank you for considering my submission. I think the project is a really positive step for the Bankstown community and I hope it receives approval.
Warm regards,
Matthew Peck
4/10 Lucerne Street, Belmore NSW 2192

Kiersten Fishburn

Secretary 

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street

Parramatta NSW 2124 


Attention: Adam Flynn


Re: SSD-79709963 – St Paul’s Anglican Church site redevelopment at 459-461 Chapel Rd, Bankstown

30/07/2025

Dear Sir/Madam,

I’m a part of the St Paul’s Anglican Church community at Bankstown and a resident in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. I wanted to write to you in support of the development planned on the current St Paul’s site on the corner of Chapel Rd and French Ave.

Not only will this new development provide our church with the kind of facilities that fit the needs of a modern congregation, but our area desperately needs more affordable housing, and the St Paul’s site would be a great location for the new social and affordable homes that are planned.

I was very encouraged to see that these 185 apartments will go to people who are already on the government housing waitlist—especially older women and essential workers. We see the need firsthand in our church and neighbourhood, and this kind of project is exactly what we need more of.

I believe that having a new, fit-for-purpose home from which St Paul’s can serve the local community for generations to come will be a real blessing for Bankstown. However, it’s also great to see that the building will provide new spaces for community use outside of service times right in the heart of the Bankstown CBD. I know our church is excited that those spaces could be used for events and other programs that build genuine connection and support networks throughout our community.

To my mind, the building design looks fantastic and fits with the high-density nature of the area – in fact, I think it will make a real improvement to the Bankstown city centre, as will the new retail and commercial spaces that form part of the proposed development.

It would be a shame if this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our community was missed.

Thank you for considering my submission. I think the project is a really positive step for the Bankstown community and I hope it receives approval.

Warm regards,

Name: Ivan Lee

Address: 12 Turvey Street, Padstow, 2211

See letter attached

I support this project and have attached a letter detailing the reasons why.

I am writing as a long-term resident of Bankstown since 2015 to formally express my strong concerns regarding the proposed development at 459-461 Chapel Road, Bankstown [SSD-79709963].

The proposed project, with a height of 23 stories on a relatively small parcel of land, is excessive and inconsistent with the existing character of the area. All surrounding high-rise buildings range between 11 to 14 stories; allowing this tower to exceed the local skyline by such a significant margin will overshadow neighbouring properties and adversely affect the area’s amenity.

Furthermore, the proposal provides only 100 parking spaces for 185 residential units plus additional mixed-use commercial spaces. This is grossly inadequate and will inevitably create parking chaos for existing residents and businesses in the vicinity. Of particular concern is that 85 units, designated as affordable housing, are to be built without any parking allocation. While I understand and support the need for affordable housing, this project proposes that approximately 45% of its dwellings fall under this category, which is far higher than the typical 30% benchmark for similar developments.

Bankstown has been undergoing significant revitalisation in recent years, with the University of Western Sydney becoming an iconic landmark and transforming the local precinct. It is counterproductive to invite developments that risk undermining this progress by placing undue strain on infrastructure, parking, and local amenity.

As a concerned neighbour, I strongly urge the planning authorities and developers to:

Reduce the overall height of the building to align with neighbouring structures.

Increase parking provisions by adding additional basement levels to cater to all residents and visitors.

Review and lower the proportion of affordable housing units to ensure a balanced, sustainable community that integrates well with the neighbourhood.

I sincerely request that my concerns be taken into account during the planning assessment and that the proposed development be amended accordingly to protect the interests of existing residents and maintain the integrity of our growing community.

1. Heritage and Cultural Significance -St Paul's Anglican Church, established in 1912 and designed by ecclesiastical architect Norman McPherson, is one of the oldest buildings in the Bankstown area.Demolishing this landmark would result in the irreversible loss of a significant piece of our local heritage.
2. Precedent for Overdevelopment -Approving this application could set a precedent for similar developments that may not align with the character and needs of the community. While the inclusion of affordable housing is commendable, it should not come at the expense of our historical landmarks and community identity.
3.Environmental Considerations -The demolition of existing structures contributes to environmental degradation through construction waste and the loss of established green spaces.

This project represents a thoughtful and community-minded approach to addressing the housing crisis. Faith-based organisations have long played a vital role in serving their communities—not just spiritually, but socially—and this proposal continues that tradition by using church-owned land to provide much-needed housing.

The site is well located, close to transport, schools, and shops, making it suitable for a range of residents including families, key workers, and older community members. Redeveloping underused church land in this way is an innovative and responsible way to meet modern needs while still supporting the broader mission of community service.

We'd rather have this landmark remains in the community.