USYD - Regiment Student Accommodation

I strongly oppose this development on the basis that it is far too big in scope to be supported by the local infrastructure.

The main issue is car parking. There are 656 dorms proposed for students, but zero parking, in an area that is already under huge pressure for existing residents and students. In the SEARs Request, Forbes St is listed as a "Social Housing Area", whereas the vast majority of residents in the area are private owners and residents.

The SEARs Request states: "car parking surrounding the site predominantly occurs on-street" and "parking is reported to be in high demand during semester periods", however, no allowance has been made for the increase in parking demand, traffic and noise. In fact, the opposite has been estimated with: "the loss of approximately 15 parking spaces".

Even using the unrealistically low estimate of 5% 'other traffic' equates to an additional 32 cars in the vicinity. This percentage is much lower than the Sustainable Transport and Access Management Plan, which states between 15% and 20% of students use cars. Using those percentage equates to an additional 96 to 128 cars, which is not sustainable. Based on this ridiculous assumption, there is minimal-to-no modification of roads, lights, and zoning to account for the increased traffic.

Furthermore, there are no public spaces along Darlington Rd, just the addition of an imposing 9-storey building and the removal of 11 trees. I am also concerned at the increased shadowing along Darlington Rd during winter, which will completely obscure the sun for residents after 2pm.

I object on the grounds that the surrounding area cannot cope with potentially 656 extra cars parking on surrounding local streets. I note that NO vehicle parking is included in the proposed development and suggest that if the development is to go ahead it must be subject to the condition that NO council parking permits will be provided to residents of the development AND there is parking provided in the development. Local residents already find it difficult to find parking and it would be irresponsible to flood local streets with the vehicles of Regiment residents. It is naive to think that the student residents will not have cars! Also please make the facade more sympathetic to the local area than the selfish modern monolith that is Moore college - including an awning. I note that eleven trees will be removed and therefore expect that the landscaping will include suitable replacements.

I have looked at the submission as a citizen having a PhD in architecture and having spent many years with urban design issues.
Two issues:
1-I found the development's footprint at ground level is not providing a pedestrian link in between Carillon Ave & Darlington Rd as part of public domain (i.e. without entering/exiting the building) and
2-City Rd elevation- tallest part of the building- is relentless, unbroken and facade features are repetitive except the corner element which provides a bit of relief
Thanks/ MB

I agree with the need for affordable housing close to the university, and this site makes sense. I support the application, with modification - I do not believe that the statewide minimum room size should be reduced just for this instance, even noting that there are other shared spaces. The minimum room size should either be adhered to, or reduced across the state if 10m2 is considered reasonable - once exceptions are created, it paves the way for other exceptions to accepted rules to be proposed.

As a resident who owns his property in the surrounding and affected area by this proposed delvelopement, I have many concerns and issues. First off I would like to point out the lack of community awareness of this proposal to the point that I had absolutely no knowledge of it up until the very last few days of the exhibition period. I am very concerned with the prospect of a skyliner being built in an area where there is no other like the kind, expecially how it is across the road from the newly constructed Moore College building which is only 6 stories high and this will be 8 stories. I feel like this building would not fit it with the keeping of the area as it will be so tall. In the building plans it looks to me as the building drops off from 8 to 7 then to 6 floors, and I feel like the whole building should be 6 floors to maintain and fit in with the existing constructions in the area. I feel like the university has drastically overlooked this only to maximise the rooms they can build and to increase profitability. I have concerns with the shadows that such a tall building would create to the residents in the direct vicinity. I have noted it the plans that it adhered to a minimum 3 hours of direct sunlight which I feel would be a slap in the face to the affected residents. I also feel with such a high density of student accommodation this will have a negative impact on the community. I feel that the cons heavily out weigh the pros for this development therefore I strongly object to it

I have issues with how tall the building will be as there are no other buildings in the community that are that high. I think it should only be as tall as the Moore College building that has just been built across the road which is only 6 levels and not 8 so that it will fit in with the look of the area which will also minimise the shadow affect on the residents that live next to the building which I feel is very important because they should be able to get more than 3 hours of direct sunlight. I would like to point out the lack of community awareness of this proposal seeing that it is such a large development and many people will be affected there should of been a greater effort of informing and engaging with the community. I also feel that the high density of student accommodation will have a negative impact on the community. In my opinion the cons of this proposal outweigh the pros and therefore I strongly object to it.

Please see attached.

My reasons for objection is written in attached file SydneyUs.pdf

Please see the attached submission and supporting references

Please find attached a PDF document outlining my objections and concerns about this building proposal.

** Please see Attached PDF print of the below **

Friday, 7 April 2017

Hello,

I'm writing as local resident regarding the University of Sydney Regiment site development proposal.
I'm voicing concerns over the following items which I don't believe have been addressed properly and strongly object to the proposed 8 story student residential building.
- Local consultation - limited to `No' local consultation with local community on effect of this structure and development.
o I understand up to the eastern side of Queen st only and no further was advised of this development - not the west side of Queen st or further afield in Newtown.
o This is some 200 metres or so only from Regiment site.
o How was this radius of advisement to local community worked out?
o If a radius of properties and people of affected area was reviewed - most of the affected area is university area- not private owners.
o Under local council regulations - (in general) a development application needs to be lodged for larger works or works affecting the area and adjacent property.
o With such Development Applications (DA under local council regulations) an advisement is mailed out to local property owners to advise of same and for them to review.
o The Regiment building development proposal is on University land and as such is not subject to local council regulation and did not need to advise local residents by mail.
o An 8 story building development would well and truly meet any local council criteria as large works / affecting the area and local property and for advisement to local community, business and constituents to review of impact to the area.
- Shadow to adjoining buildings - one part of the proposal document cites of "Shadow Diagram Winter" will get 3 hours a day. [See shadow picture at end of this document]
o Is 3 hours actually adequate for the residents?
- 8 story high rise type student accommodation proposal not in keeping with the area.
- 4 to 5 story development would be understandable project but not an 8 story
- Concern with a further high density Student accommodation building and its effect to the area.
- Concern with the effect to local residents living in the adjacent Public housing facility some of whom live with disabilities.
- Concern of 10 Square Meter rooms for resident individuals when a practiced standard is 12 Square Meters.
o Mid to long term effect to residents of reduced accommodation size and what that may then mean to anyone living / interacting with local community.

Please see attached my submission in pdf format re: SSD15-7417 Sydney University Development

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