Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
smithfeild
,
New South Wales
Message
I wish to formally object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) at 3 Brookhollow Avenue Norwest.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
Samuel Gallagher
Object
Samuel Gallagher
Object
NORWEST
,
New South Wales
Message
Application: SSD-81928961, Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion, Norwest
I am writing as a resident of Infinity Park, Unit 708, 8 Maitland Place, Norwest, which is within the Norwest residential precinct near the subject site. I object to the proposed expansion on the grounds set out below, which relate to the amenity and liveability of the surrounding residential area.
Operational noise
The proposal involves continuous mechanical plant, including cooling and HVAC systems that run 24 hours a day, as well as backup generators that require periodic testing. Plant of this type produces a constant low-frequency hum that carries further than general traffic noise and is not masked by other activity at night. My apartment is on the seventh floor, so it sits at an elevated level that is often more exposed to rooftop plant and less shielded than ground-level dwellings. I am concerned the cumulative operational noise will be audible inside my home, particularly overnight when background noise is at its lowest. I ask that the consent authority scrutinise the acoustic assessment against the NSW Noise Policy for Industry, with particular attention to night-time and low-frequency noise limits at the nearest residential receivers, including elevated apartments.
Backup generator testing
Diesel backup generators are a significant noise and air quality source when tested or run during outages. I request strict conditions limiting generator testing to daytime hours on weekdays only, with a defined frequency and duration, and full disclosure of the emissions modelling for the nearest homes.
Construction impacts
The construction phase will bring noise, dust, vibration and a sustained increase in heavy vehicle movements on local roads. I ask that any approval be conditioned on a Construction Management Plan with enforceable limits on construction hours, haulage routes, dust suppression and noise, and that construction traffic be kept away from residential streets.
Visual bulk, scale and light spill
As a facility operating around the clock, the expanded building and its plant, security lighting and external equipment risk visual bulk and light spill into nearby dwellings. From an elevated apartment the outlook over the site and any rooftop equipment and lighting is a particular concern. I ask that building scale, screening, landscaping and external lighting be assessed against the impact on adjoining and elevated residential outlooks and night-time amenity.
Cumulative impact
This is an expansion of an existing data centre, so the assessment should consider the combined impact of the existing and proposed operations together, not the expansion in isolation. The precinct is increasingly residential, and I am concerned about the compatibility of an expanding industrial-scale facility with the growing number of homes around it.
Outcome sought
I ask that the application be refused, or, if it is approved, that it be subject to strict and enforceable conditions addressing operational and construction noise, generator testing, emissions, traffic and lighting, with compliance monitoring and a clear avenue for residents to report and resolve breaches.
Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission.
Samuel Gallagher
Unit 708, 8 Maitland Place, Norwest NSW
I am writing as a resident of Infinity Park, Unit 708, 8 Maitland Place, Norwest, which is within the Norwest residential precinct near the subject site. I object to the proposed expansion on the grounds set out below, which relate to the amenity and liveability of the surrounding residential area.
Operational noise
The proposal involves continuous mechanical plant, including cooling and HVAC systems that run 24 hours a day, as well as backup generators that require periodic testing. Plant of this type produces a constant low-frequency hum that carries further than general traffic noise and is not masked by other activity at night. My apartment is on the seventh floor, so it sits at an elevated level that is often more exposed to rooftop plant and less shielded than ground-level dwellings. I am concerned the cumulative operational noise will be audible inside my home, particularly overnight when background noise is at its lowest. I ask that the consent authority scrutinise the acoustic assessment against the NSW Noise Policy for Industry, with particular attention to night-time and low-frequency noise limits at the nearest residential receivers, including elevated apartments.
Backup generator testing
Diesel backup generators are a significant noise and air quality source when tested or run during outages. I request strict conditions limiting generator testing to daytime hours on weekdays only, with a defined frequency and duration, and full disclosure of the emissions modelling for the nearest homes.
Construction impacts
The construction phase will bring noise, dust, vibration and a sustained increase in heavy vehicle movements on local roads. I ask that any approval be conditioned on a Construction Management Plan with enforceable limits on construction hours, haulage routes, dust suppression and noise, and that construction traffic be kept away from residential streets.
Visual bulk, scale and light spill
As a facility operating around the clock, the expanded building and its plant, security lighting and external equipment risk visual bulk and light spill into nearby dwellings. From an elevated apartment the outlook over the site and any rooftop equipment and lighting is a particular concern. I ask that building scale, screening, landscaping and external lighting be assessed against the impact on adjoining and elevated residential outlooks and night-time amenity.
Cumulative impact
This is an expansion of an existing data centre, so the assessment should consider the combined impact of the existing and proposed operations together, not the expansion in isolation. The precinct is increasingly residential, and I am concerned about the compatibility of an expanding industrial-scale facility with the growing number of homes around it.
Outcome sought
I ask that the application be refused, or, if it is approved, that it be subject to strict and enforceable conditions addressing operational and construction noise, generator testing, emissions, traffic and lighting, with compliance monitoring and a clear avenue for residents to report and resolve breaches.
Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission.
Samuel Gallagher
Unit 708, 8 Maitland Place, Norwest NSW
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NORWEST
,
New South Wales
Message
I wish to formally object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) at 3 Brookhollow Avenue Norwest.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NORWEST
,
New South Wales
Message
I wish to state my objection to the proposed Data Centre Expansion.
I am a local resident of 28 years. directly affected by existing and proposed development activity within the Norwest precinct. My concerns relate to traffic, parking, cumulative impacts, building height, visual bulk, generator infrastructure and impacts on local amenity.
1. Existing Construction Impacts Demonstrate Real Amenity Issues
The Environmental Impact Statement and associated Traffic Report conclude that operational traffic impacts will be negligible due to the limited number of staff anticipated to work at the facility. The report estimates only 24 peak period trips associated with Stage 2 operations and concludes that road network impacts will be insignificant
However, this assessment does not reflect the reality currently being experienced by local residents.
The existing data centre development and associated works have already resulted in:
• Significant traffic congestion.
• Construction worker parking overflow into surrounding streets from 5:30 am
• Reduced parking availability for residents and visitors.
• Ongoing amenity impacts extending over many months.
My family has experienced these impacts firsthand. There have been occasions where family members returning from local activities have been unable to find parking in our street.
I have attached photo's for consideration. One photo shows my street on a Sunday morning, when parking demand is minimal and there is typically ample on-street parking available. A second photo shows conditions on a weekday morning at 6:30 AM, where the street is heavily occupied by construction workers' vehicles.
Why should we have to put up this for the next 3 to 4 years ?
These photographs demonstrate the extent to which surrounding residential streets are already being used as overflow parking for construction activity. They raise significant concerns that these impacts will continue for several more years if further stages of development proceed without stronger controls and conditions of consent.
The applicant's future predictions should be assessed against the actual impacts already occurring in the surrounding area.
The planning report states that construction hours will generally be limited to:
• 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday;
• 8:00am to 1:00pm Saturday; and
• No work on Sundays or public holidays
The site has currently has been given 24 hour approval to build, 7 days per week. The planning report is inaccurate
2. Inadequate Assessment of Cumulative Impacts
The Traffic Report concludes that cumulative impacts from Stage 1, Stage 2 and the proposed electrical substation will be negligible.
I do not believe this assessment adequately considers cumulative impacts associated with:
• Simultaneous construction activities.
• Construction worker parking demand.
• Crane &Heavy vehicle movements.
• Generator delivery and installation.
• Concrete deliveries.
• Road occupation and traffic management measures.
• Nearby development activity occurring within the Norwest precinct.
The assessment appears to focus largely on operational staff traffic rather than the impacts residents are actually likely to experience during years of construction activity.
A more comprehensive cumulative construction impact assessment should be required, which reflects the actual construction activity impacts for the predicted 36 to 48 months expected to complete the project
3. Building Height and Visual Bulk
The proposal exceeds the applicable height controls and is supported by a Clause 4.6 variation request. The planning assessment acknowledges that the proposal does not comply with the relevant building height standard.
The proposal includes:
A large-scale data centre.
Approximately 16,191m² of additional gross floor area.
Building heights reaching 43m
Significant rooftop plant and associated infrastructure.
The resulting scale and visual bulk are substantial.
The consent authority should carefully consider whether the proposal is genuinely compatible with nearby development and whether the extent of the height variation is justified.
4. Diesel Generators and Air Quality Concerns
The proposal includes installation of 77 diesel generators and associated fuel storage infrastructure.
While I understand these generators are primarily intended for emergency backup purposes, the proposal should clearly demonstrate
• Annual diesel consumption.
• Greenhouse gas emissions.
• Local air quality impacts.
• Potential impacts on nearby residents.
Diesel generators are a known source of Nitrogen oxides, Fine particulate matter and Carbon emissions.
Given the scale of the proposed generator installation, greater transparency regarding operational assumptions and cumulative impacts should be required.
5. Parking Impacts and Reliance on Future Management Plans
A recurring theme throughout the application is reliance on future management plans and future investigations rather than firm commitments.
Examples include:
• Future Construction Traffic Management Plans.
• Future Green Travel Plans.
• Investigation of bicycle parking after approval.
• Future complaints handling mechanisms.
• Future construction mitigation measures.
While management plans have a role, the applicant should demonstrate how impacts will actually be avoided rather than relying on future documents prepared after approval. Existing construction activity associated with the current data centre development has already caused significant disruption to local residents and raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of similar future management measures.
The Traffic Report assumes that parking demand will be offset by public transport accessibility due to the site's proximity to Norwest Metro Station.
However, the same report recognises that private vehicle use remains the dominant mode of travel within the surrounding area, accounting for more than 90% of commuter journeys.
The applicant should provide stronger evidence supporting assumptions that future staff, contractors and service personnel will utilise public transport at materially higher rates than the broader Norwest workforce.
Any overflow parking generated by construction or operational activities should be prevented from impacting surrounding streets.
Construction workers simply won't use public transport to get to a building site - any suggestion that this will change is fanciful
6. Noise Assessment Relies on Future Design Development
The Noise and Vibration Assessment concludes that compliance with applicable noise criteria can be achieved through the implementation of various mitigation measures including acoustic barriers, acoustic baffles, attenuators, custom generator enclosures and modified heavy vehicle routes.
However, the assessment also acknowledges that:
• The preferred equipment supplier has not yet been selected.
• Detailed acoustic design is yet to be completed.
• Tonality assessments have not been undertaken.
• Low-frequency noise assessments have not been undertaken.
• Further acoustic review will be required during detailed design and after construction.
These matters indicate that compliance is dependent on future design decisions rather than fully demonstrated by the current application.
I am concerned that noise impacts are being assessed based on assumptions regarding equipment performance and future mitigation measures that have not yet been finalised.
The consent authority should ensure that any approval is subject to stringent noise verification requirements, independent acoustic testing and enforceable compliance conditions.
7. Construction Noise Impacts
The Noise and Vibration Assessment predicts that construction noise management levels will be exceeded at many surrounding receivers throughout multiple stages of construction.
Importantly, the assessment acknowledges that:
"Predicted worst-case noise levels indicate that the ICNG noise management levels are exceeded at most nearest sensitive receivers."
The report also identifies that construction activity may continue for approximately 36 to 48 months.
This is a substantial period during which local residents, businesses and childcare facilities may be exposed to elevated construction noise.
Given the scale and duration of the proposed works, a Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan alone should not be relied upon as evidence that impacts will be negligible.
8. Generator Testing Assumptions
The noise assessment assumes:
Testing generally occurs during daytime hours only.
Testing is limited to a maximum of three generators operating simultaneously across the campus.
Total generator testing remains below 200 hours per annum.
These assumptions are critical to the conclusion that operational noise criteria can be achieved.
The consent authority should ensure that these assumptions become enforceable conditions of consent and that appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms are established to verify compliance throughout the life of the development.
Requested Outcomes
Should the proposal be approved, which I suspect will be the case, I request that the consent authority impose conditions including:
• Enhanced construction traffic management requirements.
• Strict worker parking controls.
• Independent monitoring of construction traffic impacts.
• Restrictions on diesel generator testing hours.
• Ongoing noise monitoring.
• Periodic review of construction impacts on surrounding residents.
• Stronger assessment of cumulative impacts associated with Stage 1, Stage 2 and associated infrastructure works.
In its current form, I do not consider the application has adequately demonstrated that cumulative construction impacts, parking impacts, traffic impacts and local amenity impacts can be appropriately managed.
Greater scrutiny and robust conditions of consent are required before any further expansion is approved.
Yours faithfully,
Paul
I am a local resident of 28 years. directly affected by existing and proposed development activity within the Norwest precinct. My concerns relate to traffic, parking, cumulative impacts, building height, visual bulk, generator infrastructure and impacts on local amenity.
1. Existing Construction Impacts Demonstrate Real Amenity Issues
The Environmental Impact Statement and associated Traffic Report conclude that operational traffic impacts will be negligible due to the limited number of staff anticipated to work at the facility. The report estimates only 24 peak period trips associated with Stage 2 operations and concludes that road network impacts will be insignificant
However, this assessment does not reflect the reality currently being experienced by local residents.
The existing data centre development and associated works have already resulted in:
• Significant traffic congestion.
• Construction worker parking overflow into surrounding streets from 5:30 am
• Reduced parking availability for residents and visitors.
• Ongoing amenity impacts extending over many months.
My family has experienced these impacts firsthand. There have been occasions where family members returning from local activities have been unable to find parking in our street.
I have attached photo's for consideration. One photo shows my street on a Sunday morning, when parking demand is minimal and there is typically ample on-street parking available. A second photo shows conditions on a weekday morning at 6:30 AM, where the street is heavily occupied by construction workers' vehicles.
Why should we have to put up this for the next 3 to 4 years ?
These photographs demonstrate the extent to which surrounding residential streets are already being used as overflow parking for construction activity. They raise significant concerns that these impacts will continue for several more years if further stages of development proceed without stronger controls and conditions of consent.
The applicant's future predictions should be assessed against the actual impacts already occurring in the surrounding area.
The planning report states that construction hours will generally be limited to:
• 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday;
• 8:00am to 1:00pm Saturday; and
• No work on Sundays or public holidays
The site has currently has been given 24 hour approval to build, 7 days per week. The planning report is inaccurate
2. Inadequate Assessment of Cumulative Impacts
The Traffic Report concludes that cumulative impacts from Stage 1, Stage 2 and the proposed electrical substation will be negligible.
I do not believe this assessment adequately considers cumulative impacts associated with:
• Simultaneous construction activities.
• Construction worker parking demand.
• Crane &Heavy vehicle movements.
• Generator delivery and installation.
• Concrete deliveries.
• Road occupation and traffic management measures.
• Nearby development activity occurring within the Norwest precinct.
The assessment appears to focus largely on operational staff traffic rather than the impacts residents are actually likely to experience during years of construction activity.
A more comprehensive cumulative construction impact assessment should be required, which reflects the actual construction activity impacts for the predicted 36 to 48 months expected to complete the project
3. Building Height and Visual Bulk
The proposal exceeds the applicable height controls and is supported by a Clause 4.6 variation request. The planning assessment acknowledges that the proposal does not comply with the relevant building height standard.
The proposal includes:
A large-scale data centre.
Approximately 16,191m² of additional gross floor area.
Building heights reaching 43m
Significant rooftop plant and associated infrastructure.
The resulting scale and visual bulk are substantial.
The consent authority should carefully consider whether the proposal is genuinely compatible with nearby development and whether the extent of the height variation is justified.
4. Diesel Generators and Air Quality Concerns
The proposal includes installation of 77 diesel generators and associated fuel storage infrastructure.
While I understand these generators are primarily intended for emergency backup purposes, the proposal should clearly demonstrate
• Annual diesel consumption.
• Greenhouse gas emissions.
• Local air quality impacts.
• Potential impacts on nearby residents.
Diesel generators are a known source of Nitrogen oxides, Fine particulate matter and Carbon emissions.
Given the scale of the proposed generator installation, greater transparency regarding operational assumptions and cumulative impacts should be required.
5. Parking Impacts and Reliance on Future Management Plans
A recurring theme throughout the application is reliance on future management plans and future investigations rather than firm commitments.
Examples include:
• Future Construction Traffic Management Plans.
• Future Green Travel Plans.
• Investigation of bicycle parking after approval.
• Future complaints handling mechanisms.
• Future construction mitigation measures.
While management plans have a role, the applicant should demonstrate how impacts will actually be avoided rather than relying on future documents prepared after approval. Existing construction activity associated with the current data centre development has already caused significant disruption to local residents and raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of similar future management measures.
The Traffic Report assumes that parking demand will be offset by public transport accessibility due to the site's proximity to Norwest Metro Station.
However, the same report recognises that private vehicle use remains the dominant mode of travel within the surrounding area, accounting for more than 90% of commuter journeys.
The applicant should provide stronger evidence supporting assumptions that future staff, contractors and service personnel will utilise public transport at materially higher rates than the broader Norwest workforce.
Any overflow parking generated by construction or operational activities should be prevented from impacting surrounding streets.
Construction workers simply won't use public transport to get to a building site - any suggestion that this will change is fanciful
6. Noise Assessment Relies on Future Design Development
The Noise and Vibration Assessment concludes that compliance with applicable noise criteria can be achieved through the implementation of various mitigation measures including acoustic barriers, acoustic baffles, attenuators, custom generator enclosures and modified heavy vehicle routes.
However, the assessment also acknowledges that:
• The preferred equipment supplier has not yet been selected.
• Detailed acoustic design is yet to be completed.
• Tonality assessments have not been undertaken.
• Low-frequency noise assessments have not been undertaken.
• Further acoustic review will be required during detailed design and after construction.
These matters indicate that compliance is dependent on future design decisions rather than fully demonstrated by the current application.
I am concerned that noise impacts are being assessed based on assumptions regarding equipment performance and future mitigation measures that have not yet been finalised.
The consent authority should ensure that any approval is subject to stringent noise verification requirements, independent acoustic testing and enforceable compliance conditions.
7. Construction Noise Impacts
The Noise and Vibration Assessment predicts that construction noise management levels will be exceeded at many surrounding receivers throughout multiple stages of construction.
Importantly, the assessment acknowledges that:
"Predicted worst-case noise levels indicate that the ICNG noise management levels are exceeded at most nearest sensitive receivers."
The report also identifies that construction activity may continue for approximately 36 to 48 months.
This is a substantial period during which local residents, businesses and childcare facilities may be exposed to elevated construction noise.
Given the scale and duration of the proposed works, a Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan alone should not be relied upon as evidence that impacts will be negligible.
8. Generator Testing Assumptions
The noise assessment assumes:
Testing generally occurs during daytime hours only.
Testing is limited to a maximum of three generators operating simultaneously across the campus.
Total generator testing remains below 200 hours per annum.
These assumptions are critical to the conclusion that operational noise criteria can be achieved.
The consent authority should ensure that these assumptions become enforceable conditions of consent and that appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms are established to verify compliance throughout the life of the development.
Requested Outcomes
Should the proposal be approved, which I suspect will be the case, I request that the consent authority impose conditions including:
• Enhanced construction traffic management requirements.
• Strict worker parking controls.
• Independent monitoring of construction traffic impacts.
• Restrictions on diesel generator testing hours.
• Ongoing noise monitoring.
• Periodic review of construction impacts on surrounding residents.
• Stronger assessment of cumulative impacts associated with Stage 1, Stage 2 and associated infrastructure works.
In its current form, I do not consider the application has adequately demonstrated that cumulative construction impacts, parking impacts, traffic impacts and local amenity impacts can be appropriately managed.
Greater scrutiny and robust conditions of consent are required before any further expansion is approved.
Yours faithfully,
Paul
Caterina Bressi
Object
Caterina Bressi
Object
KELLYVILLE
,
New South Wales
Message
I wish to formally object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) at 3 Brookhollow Avenue Norwest.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NORWEST
,
New South Wales
Message
Formal Objection – Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961)
I wish to formally object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) at 3 Brookhollow Avenue, Norwest.
I strongly object to this proposal on the basis of its scale, industrial nature, proximity to residential apartment buildings and the significant long-term impacts it would impose on surrounding residents.
The proposed development represents a substantial intensification of an industrial-scale facility immediately adjacent to residential properties. A development of this scale and intensity is fundamentally at odds with the reasonable expectations of people who live in close proximity to the site.
Residential amenity and land use: A data centre of this scale is effectively an industrial facility, requiring extensive mechanical, electrical, cooling and backup-power infrastructure. Its location immediately beside residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between intensive industrial operations and residential amenity.
Residents should not be expected to progressively lose the amenity and liveability of their homes simply because an existing facility is already operating on the site.
24-hour noise: A data centre operates continuously. Cooling systems, ventilation, mechanical plant and backup generators have the potential to produce ongoing noise throughout the day and night, including evenings, overnight periods and weekends.
The cumulative impact of continuous mechanical noise on nearby residents should be given serious consideration, particularly for residents whose homes are immediately adjacent to the facility.
Diesel generators and fuel storage: The proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces significant additional concerns regarding noise, diesel exhaust emissions, odour, fuel storage, fire and emergency risks.
The scale of this infrastructure is particularly concerning given its proximity to residential buildings, major metro stations and schools. The potential consequences of equipment failure, fuel-related incidents or emergency events must be properly assessed. Australian summers soar towards 50 degrees in Western Suburbs like Norwest, it is absurdly irresponsible to place a data centre in one of the hottest and most condensed suburbs, right near two major roads.
Air quality: The operation and testing of diesel generators has the potential to produce localised diesel exhaust emissions. The potential impact on air quality for residents living in close proximity to the site should be carefully assessed.
Residents should not be expected to accept additional sources of emissions where an industrial facility of this scale could potentially be located with greater separation from residential communities.
Visual impact and loss of amenity: The proposed building, reaching approximately 43 metres in height, represents substantial visual bulk immediately adjacent to residential development.
The impact on residents' outlook, visual amenity, access to light and the character of the surrounding area should be properly considered. The scale of this structure is not consistent with the residential environment in which it is proposed to operate.
Energy consumption, heat and environmental impacts: A facility of this scale will require enormous amounts of energy and extensive cooling infrastructure. The associated mechanical plant, waste heat and environmental impacts should be considered as part of the overall assessment.
The environmental consequences of substantially increasing the scale of the facility should not be dismissed simply because data centres provide an important service.
Traffic, construction and ongoing servicing: The expansion will result in significant construction activity as well as ongoing vehicle movements, deliveries, maintenance and servicing.
These impacts will affect surrounding residents both during construction and throughout the operational life of the expanded facility and should be assessed in the context of the existing and future development of the area.
Fire and emergency risks: The combination of very high electrical loads, extensive electrical and mechanical infrastructure, 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage presents legitimate fire and emergency risk considerations.
These risks are particularly significant given the immediate proximity of residential apartment buildings and the number of people who may be affected by a major incident. Again, Australian summers in the Western Suburbs consistently soar in temperatures and humidity, which will only increase the bill of this data centre as well as the noise levels and environmental damage. This would be an extremely reckless and potentially catastrophic decision which will severely affect housing prices in the area and tarnish the good name of the Hills District.
Cumulative impacts: The proposal should not be assessed in isolation.
Norwest is experiencing significant development and increasing residential density. The long-term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside existing and future residential communities requires careful consideration.
The combined impacts of noise, traffic, visual bulk, emissions, heat, construction activity, industrial infrastructure and emergency risks may be substantially greater when considered collectively than when each issue is assessed individually.
The case for refusal: Most importantly, the assessment should consider whether this expansion represents an appropriate long-term planning outcome for the surrounding community.
Refusing the proposal would prevent further intensification of an industrial-scale use immediately adjacent to residential buildings and would protect the residential amenity and long-term liveability of the surrounding area.
Once infrastructure of this scale is approved and constructed, its impacts are effectively permanent. The community should not be expected to accept a substantial increase in industrial activity beside their homes where alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
The existence of the current data centre should not be regarded as justification for further intensification. The proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation and therefore has the potential to materially increase its impacts on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse application SSD-81928961.
I strongly object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion and request that the concerns outlined above, including residential amenity, 24-hour noise, diesel generators and fuel storage, air quality, visual impact, environmental impacts, traffic, construction activity, fire and emergency risks and cumulative impacts, be fully considered in the assessment of this application.
In my view, refusing the expansion would provide a more appropriate planning outcome and better protect the amenity, safety and long-term liveability of the surrounding residential community. Allowing this data centre will cause a significant uproar from the public and a complete loss of faith in the Hills District local council, resulting in a huge loss of prime real estate as nobody wants to live near a gigantic health hazard that is bound to end in catastrophic health repercussions. This is called the garden area and a large data centre is completely counter-intuitive to everything The Hills stands for, when there are far better, less costly and less offensive locations for such a data centre.
If this data centre goes ahead, the Hills will no longer be vibrant or loveable. Norwest Business Centre will simply become an eyesore, completely avoided by businesses, real estate agents, families, and more.
I wish to formally object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) at 3 Brookhollow Avenue, Norwest.
I strongly object to this proposal on the basis of its scale, industrial nature, proximity to residential apartment buildings and the significant long-term impacts it would impose on surrounding residents.
The proposed development represents a substantial intensification of an industrial-scale facility immediately adjacent to residential properties. A development of this scale and intensity is fundamentally at odds with the reasonable expectations of people who live in close proximity to the site.
Residential amenity and land use: A data centre of this scale is effectively an industrial facility, requiring extensive mechanical, electrical, cooling and backup-power infrastructure. Its location immediately beside residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between intensive industrial operations and residential amenity.
Residents should not be expected to progressively lose the amenity and liveability of their homes simply because an existing facility is already operating on the site.
24-hour noise: A data centre operates continuously. Cooling systems, ventilation, mechanical plant and backup generators have the potential to produce ongoing noise throughout the day and night, including evenings, overnight periods and weekends.
The cumulative impact of continuous mechanical noise on nearby residents should be given serious consideration, particularly for residents whose homes are immediately adjacent to the facility.
Diesel generators and fuel storage: The proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces significant additional concerns regarding noise, diesel exhaust emissions, odour, fuel storage, fire and emergency risks.
The scale of this infrastructure is particularly concerning given its proximity to residential buildings, major metro stations and schools. The potential consequences of equipment failure, fuel-related incidents or emergency events must be properly assessed. Australian summers soar towards 50 degrees in Western Suburbs like Norwest, it is absurdly irresponsible to place a data centre in one of the hottest and most condensed suburbs, right near two major roads.
Air quality: The operation and testing of diesel generators has the potential to produce localised diesel exhaust emissions. The potential impact on air quality for residents living in close proximity to the site should be carefully assessed.
Residents should not be expected to accept additional sources of emissions where an industrial facility of this scale could potentially be located with greater separation from residential communities.
Visual impact and loss of amenity: The proposed building, reaching approximately 43 metres in height, represents substantial visual bulk immediately adjacent to residential development.
The impact on residents' outlook, visual amenity, access to light and the character of the surrounding area should be properly considered. The scale of this structure is not consistent with the residential environment in which it is proposed to operate.
Energy consumption, heat and environmental impacts: A facility of this scale will require enormous amounts of energy and extensive cooling infrastructure. The associated mechanical plant, waste heat and environmental impacts should be considered as part of the overall assessment.
The environmental consequences of substantially increasing the scale of the facility should not be dismissed simply because data centres provide an important service.
Traffic, construction and ongoing servicing: The expansion will result in significant construction activity as well as ongoing vehicle movements, deliveries, maintenance and servicing.
These impacts will affect surrounding residents both during construction and throughout the operational life of the expanded facility and should be assessed in the context of the existing and future development of the area.
Fire and emergency risks: The combination of very high electrical loads, extensive electrical and mechanical infrastructure, 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage presents legitimate fire and emergency risk considerations.
These risks are particularly significant given the immediate proximity of residential apartment buildings and the number of people who may be affected by a major incident. Again, Australian summers in the Western Suburbs consistently soar in temperatures and humidity, which will only increase the bill of this data centre as well as the noise levels and environmental damage. This would be an extremely reckless and potentially catastrophic decision which will severely affect housing prices in the area and tarnish the good name of the Hills District.
Cumulative impacts: The proposal should not be assessed in isolation.
Norwest is experiencing significant development and increasing residential density. The long-term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside existing and future residential communities requires careful consideration.
The combined impacts of noise, traffic, visual bulk, emissions, heat, construction activity, industrial infrastructure and emergency risks may be substantially greater when considered collectively than when each issue is assessed individually.
The case for refusal: Most importantly, the assessment should consider whether this expansion represents an appropriate long-term planning outcome for the surrounding community.
Refusing the proposal would prevent further intensification of an industrial-scale use immediately adjacent to residential buildings and would protect the residential amenity and long-term liveability of the surrounding area.
Once infrastructure of this scale is approved and constructed, its impacts are effectively permanent. The community should not be expected to accept a substantial increase in industrial activity beside their homes where alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
The existence of the current data centre should not be regarded as justification for further intensification. The proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation and therefore has the potential to materially increase its impacts on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse application SSD-81928961.
I strongly object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion and request that the concerns outlined above, including residential amenity, 24-hour noise, diesel generators and fuel storage, air quality, visual impact, environmental impacts, traffic, construction activity, fire and emergency risks and cumulative impacts, be fully considered in the assessment of this application.
In my view, refusing the expansion would provide a more appropriate planning outcome and better protect the amenity, safety and long-term liveability of the surrounding residential community. Allowing this data centre will cause a significant uproar from the public and a complete loss of faith in the Hills District local council, resulting in a huge loss of prime real estate as nobody wants to live near a gigantic health hazard that is bound to end in catastrophic health repercussions. This is called the garden area and a large data centre is completely counter-intuitive to everything The Hills stands for, when there are far better, less costly and less offensive locations for such a data centre.
If this data centre goes ahead, the Hills will no longer be vibrant or loveable. Norwest Business Centre will simply become an eyesore, completely avoided by businesses, real estate agents, families, and more.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NORWEST
,
New South Wales
Message
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE TODAY
Say NO to the expansion of the Brookhollow Data Centre!
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/brookhollow-avenue-data-centre-expansion-norwest
I don’t want to live near a 43 metre high data centre with 24/7 noise, traffic, environmental and health impacts!
Make a submission - click on the link and feel free to copy and paste the following (see first comment):
************
I wish to formally object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) at 3 Brookhollow Avenue Norwest.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
Say NO to the expansion of the Brookhollow Data Centre!
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/brookhollow-avenue-data-centre-expansion-norwest
I don’t want to live near a 43 metre high data centre with 24/7 noise, traffic, environmental and health impacts!
Make a submission - click on the link and feel free to copy and paste the following (see first comment):
************
I wish to formally object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) at 3 Brookhollow Avenue Norwest.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Norwest
,
New South Wales
Message
I wish to formally object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) at 3 Brookhollow Avenue Norwest.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
I request my personal details be redacted.
I strongly object to the expansion on the basis of its scale, industrial nature and proximity to residential apartment buildings. A development of this intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the amenity and expectations of people living in close proximity to the site.
My key concerns are:
* Inappropriate land use and residential amenity - a large scale data centre is essentially an industrial facility, involving extensive mechanical, electrical and backup infrastructure. Its location immediately adjacent to residential apartment buildings creates an unacceptable conflict between industrial operations and residential amenity.
* 24/7 noise impacts - unlike many commercial developments, a data centre operates continuously - cooling systems, ventilation equipment, generators, creating a persistent background noise, including during evenings, overnight and weekends when residents reasonably prefer quiet.
* Diesel generators and fuel storage - the proposal includes 77 diesel generators and bulk diesel storage. This introduces substantial additional concerns including noise, exhaust emissions, odour, fire, fuel storage and emergency incidents in close proximity to residents. The Department's own assessment requirements specifically identify hazards and risk as an issue requiring assessment for this proposal.
* Air quality - regular testing or operation of diesel generators has the potential to affect local air quality through diesel exhaust emissions, particularly concerning for residents living in close proximity.
* Visual bulk and loss of amenity - a building reaching approximately 43 metres in height represents a substantial built form! Residents should not have their outlook and visual amenity significantly compromised by an industrial scale facility.
* Heat and environmental impacts - the enormous energy demand and associated cooling infrastructure will generate significant waste heat and mechanical plant impacts.
* Traffic, construction and servicing impacts - the scale of the development will involve substantial construction activity and ongoing servicing, maintenance and deliveries. These impacts should not be imposed on nearby residents without compelling justification.
* Fire and emergency risks - the combination of very high electrical loads, extensive mechanical/electrical infrastructure and large quantities of stored diesel warrants serious consideration of fire and emergency risks particularly for residents living in close proximity
* Cumulative impacts - this proposal should not be assessed in isolation. Norwest is experiencing significant further development and increasing residential density. The Department's own documentation identifies other nearby projects, including future high density residential development. The long term cumulative effect of placing increasingly intensive industrial infrastructure alongside residential communities must be given serious consideration.
Most importantly, residents should NOT be expected to sacrifice their residential amenity to acommodate an industrial facility of this scale when alternative locations with greater separation from residential development may be available.
I acknowledge that the proposal is an expansion of an existing data centre facility, however the fact the facility already exists should NOT be taken as justification for further intensification of a land use that is already in close proximity to residential apartment buildings - the proposed expansion would significantly increase the scale and intensity of the operation. The assessment should therefore consider the additional and cumulative impacts of the expansion on surrounding residents.
I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application. I strongly object to SSD-81928961 and request this submission be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.
I request my personal details be redacted.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Norwest
,
New South Wales
Message
To the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure,
I am writing to formally object to the proposed State Significant Development application SSD-81928961, for the expansion of the existing data centre at 3 Brookhollow Avenue, Norwest. I ask that the Department consider the following concerns before determining this application.
(Add your name, address, and — if relevant — how you are affected, e.g. as a nearby resident, business operator, or ratepayer, before submitting.)
1. Energy and Grid Impacts
• The proposal seeks to expand the site's capacity toward approximately 80MW, a significant increase from the existing ~4MW facility. This represents a substantial new electricity load on the local grid.
• Concern that increased demand from large-scale data infrastructure in the region could contribute to higher electricity costs or reduced grid reliability for surrounding homes and businesses.
• QUESTION: How much of the facility's power draw will come from renewable sources versus the existing grid mix, and what upgrades to local substations or transmission infrastructure will be required.
• QUESTION: Please disclose details on the number, capacity, testing frequency, and associated air/noise emissions of backup diesel generators, responses should be independently assessed.
2. Water Consumption
• REQUEST full disclosure of projected daily/annual water consumption and the source of that water (potable mains supply vs recycled/harvested water).
• Concern regarding cumulative water demand in the Hills Shire from this and other data centre developments in the Norwest precinct, particularly during drought or water restriction periods.
3. Noise Impacts
• Data centres generate continuous, 24/7 mechanical noise from cooling systems (chillers, cooling towers, generators). Concern about ongoing low-frequency noise impacts on nearby residential areas (including Castle Pines retirement community) and commercial tenancies.
• REQUEST independent, robust noise impact assessment addressing cumulative noise from Stage 1 and Stage 2 operating simultaneously, not just each stage in isolation.
4. Visual and Streetscape Impacts
• The Department / Developer should consider building height, bulk, façade treatment and landscaping controls to ensure the development doesn't create an oversized industrial presence in a mixed-use town centre.
5. Local Amenity and Community Impacts
• Norwest is a growing residential and mixed-use hub. Large-scale industrial data infrastructure is inconsistent with the area's evolving identity as a walkable, liveable town centre.
• Construction impacts (traffic, heavy vehicle movements, noise, dust) over an extended construction period should be minimised and clearly staged, with a Construction Traffic Management Plan made publicly available.
• Data centres generate minimal ongoing local employment relative to their land footprint and energy draw, compared to alternative commercial, residential or community uses of this land — a concern given competing demand for housing and community infrastructure in Sydney's north-west.
6. Traffic and Transport
• Requesting detail on construction traffic routes, especially given the site's proximity to Norwest Metro Station and Norwest Boulevard, both busy transport corridors.
• Ongoing operational traffic (maintenance vehicles, fuel deliveries for backup generators) should be assessed for impact on surrounding roads.
7. Cumulative Impact
• This application should not be assessed in isolation. Are there other data centre projects proceeding in the Norwest/Hills Shire area (including the existing Stage 1 facility on this same site)?
• Request the Department require a cumulative impact assessment covering energy demand, water use, noise and traffic across all approved and proposed data centres in the precinct.
8. Transparency and Consultation
• Note that no estimated development cost, job figures, or details on building height/storeys/parking were provided in the exhibited application materials — request these gaps be addressed before determination.
• Request that any approval include robust, enforceable conditions on noise limits, water use reporting, and energy source disclosure, with regular independent auditing.
________________________________________
For the reasons outlined above, I object to the approval of SSD-81928961 in its current form and request that the Department require further environmental, noise, water and cumulative impact assessment, and greater transparency on energy sourcing, before any determination is made.
I am writing to formally object to the proposed State Significant Development application SSD-81928961, for the expansion of the existing data centre at 3 Brookhollow Avenue, Norwest. I ask that the Department consider the following concerns before determining this application.
(Add your name, address, and — if relevant — how you are affected, e.g. as a nearby resident, business operator, or ratepayer, before submitting.)
1. Energy and Grid Impacts
• The proposal seeks to expand the site's capacity toward approximately 80MW, a significant increase from the existing ~4MW facility. This represents a substantial new electricity load on the local grid.
• Concern that increased demand from large-scale data infrastructure in the region could contribute to higher electricity costs or reduced grid reliability for surrounding homes and businesses.
• QUESTION: How much of the facility's power draw will come from renewable sources versus the existing grid mix, and what upgrades to local substations or transmission infrastructure will be required.
• QUESTION: Please disclose details on the number, capacity, testing frequency, and associated air/noise emissions of backup diesel generators, responses should be independently assessed.
2. Water Consumption
• REQUEST full disclosure of projected daily/annual water consumption and the source of that water (potable mains supply vs recycled/harvested water).
• Concern regarding cumulative water demand in the Hills Shire from this and other data centre developments in the Norwest precinct, particularly during drought or water restriction periods.
3. Noise Impacts
• Data centres generate continuous, 24/7 mechanical noise from cooling systems (chillers, cooling towers, generators). Concern about ongoing low-frequency noise impacts on nearby residential areas (including Castle Pines retirement community) and commercial tenancies.
• REQUEST independent, robust noise impact assessment addressing cumulative noise from Stage 1 and Stage 2 operating simultaneously, not just each stage in isolation.
4. Visual and Streetscape Impacts
• The Department / Developer should consider building height, bulk, façade treatment and landscaping controls to ensure the development doesn't create an oversized industrial presence in a mixed-use town centre.
5. Local Amenity and Community Impacts
• Norwest is a growing residential and mixed-use hub. Large-scale industrial data infrastructure is inconsistent with the area's evolving identity as a walkable, liveable town centre.
• Construction impacts (traffic, heavy vehicle movements, noise, dust) over an extended construction period should be minimised and clearly staged, with a Construction Traffic Management Plan made publicly available.
• Data centres generate minimal ongoing local employment relative to their land footprint and energy draw, compared to alternative commercial, residential or community uses of this land — a concern given competing demand for housing and community infrastructure in Sydney's north-west.
6. Traffic and Transport
• Requesting detail on construction traffic routes, especially given the site's proximity to Norwest Metro Station and Norwest Boulevard, both busy transport corridors.
• Ongoing operational traffic (maintenance vehicles, fuel deliveries for backup generators) should be assessed for impact on surrounding roads.
7. Cumulative Impact
• This application should not be assessed in isolation. Are there other data centre projects proceeding in the Norwest/Hills Shire area (including the existing Stage 1 facility on this same site)?
• Request the Department require a cumulative impact assessment covering energy demand, water use, noise and traffic across all approved and proposed data centres in the precinct.
8. Transparency and Consultation
• Note that no estimated development cost, job figures, or details on building height/storeys/parking were provided in the exhibited application materials — request these gaps be addressed before determination.
• Request that any approval include robust, enforceable conditions on noise limits, water use reporting, and energy source disclosure, with regular independent auditing.
________________________________________
For the reasons outlined above, I object to the approval of SSD-81928961 in its current form and request that the Department require further environmental, noise, water and cumulative impact assessment, and greater transparency on energy sourcing, before any determination is made.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NORWEST
,
New South Wales
Message
Dear Assessment Team,
I am writing to object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) as a nearby resident and property owner on Fairmont Avenue, Norwest.
While I recognise the importance of infrastructure and investment in the area, I have significant concerns about the cumulative impact this development will have on the surrounding residential streets, particularly during the construction phase.
Our neighbourhood has already experienced considerable disruption from recent construction projects in the Norwest precinct. One of the most significant issues has been construction workers parking throughout Fairmont Avenue and surrounding residential streets. This has reduced available parking for residents and visitors, increased congestion, and created safety concerns for pedestrians and vehicles.
Given the scale of this proposal, I am concerned these existing problems will become substantially worse.
My key concerns include:
Increased construction traffic on local roads.
Construction workers parking in residential streets such as Fairmont Avenue.
Increased heavy vehicle movements affecting safety and congestion.
Noise, dust and disruption during the construction period.
Ongoing operational noise from cooling equipment and routine diesel generator testing.
The cumulative impact of this and other major developments occurring in the Norwest area.
If the Department is minded to approve this application, I strongly request that strict conditions be imposed, including:
A comprehensive Construction Traffic Management Plan.
A Construction Worker Parking Management Plan that prohibits construction workers from parking on surrounding residential streets and provides sufficient off-street parking or shuttle transport.
Clearly designated heavy vehicle routes that minimise impacts on residential areas.
Strict limits on construction hours and noisy works.
Independent monitoring of noise and air quality during construction and operation.
Appropriate enforcement mechanisms should the developer fail to comply with approved traffic and parking management measures.
Ongoing consultation with nearby residents throughout the construction period.
Residents should not bear the burden of inadequate planning for contractor parking and construction logistics. Existing parking issues demonstrate that stronger management measures are necessary before any further large-scale development proceeds.
I respectfully request that the Department give careful consideration to the cumulative impacts on surrounding residents when assessing this application. If these concerns cannot be adequately addressed through enforceable conditions, I ask that the application be refused.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Yours faithfully,
Fairmont Avenue Resident
I am writing to object to the proposed Brookhollow Avenue Data Centre Expansion (SSD-81928961) as a nearby resident and property owner on Fairmont Avenue, Norwest.
While I recognise the importance of infrastructure and investment in the area, I have significant concerns about the cumulative impact this development will have on the surrounding residential streets, particularly during the construction phase.
Our neighbourhood has already experienced considerable disruption from recent construction projects in the Norwest precinct. One of the most significant issues has been construction workers parking throughout Fairmont Avenue and surrounding residential streets. This has reduced available parking for residents and visitors, increased congestion, and created safety concerns for pedestrians and vehicles.
Given the scale of this proposal, I am concerned these existing problems will become substantially worse.
My key concerns include:
Increased construction traffic on local roads.
Construction workers parking in residential streets such as Fairmont Avenue.
Increased heavy vehicle movements affecting safety and congestion.
Noise, dust and disruption during the construction period.
Ongoing operational noise from cooling equipment and routine diesel generator testing.
The cumulative impact of this and other major developments occurring in the Norwest area.
If the Department is minded to approve this application, I strongly request that strict conditions be imposed, including:
A comprehensive Construction Traffic Management Plan.
A Construction Worker Parking Management Plan that prohibits construction workers from parking on surrounding residential streets and provides sufficient off-street parking or shuttle transport.
Clearly designated heavy vehicle routes that minimise impacts on residential areas.
Strict limits on construction hours and noisy works.
Independent monitoring of noise and air quality during construction and operation.
Appropriate enforcement mechanisms should the developer fail to comply with approved traffic and parking management measures.
Ongoing consultation with nearby residents throughout the construction period.
Residents should not bear the burden of inadequate planning for contractor parking and construction logistics. Existing parking issues demonstrate that stronger management measures are necessary before any further large-scale development proceeds.
I respectfully request that the Department give careful consideration to the cumulative impacts on surrounding residents when assessing this application. If these concerns cannot be adequately addressed through enforceable conditions, I ask that the application be refused.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Yours faithfully,
Fairmont Avenue Resident