After defeating a boarding house proposal two years ago, Engadine residents have gone to war again.
More than 200 submissions oppose a two to three-storey boarding house being built on a single block at 5 Waratah Road, opposite Coles.
The location is around the corner from a site in Cambrai Avenue where “people power” stopped a similar proposal two years ago.
The previous development application (DA) was for 10 boarding rooms to accommodate 20 people.
The new proposal, with a construction cost of $2.15 million, is for 15 boarding rooms, accommodating up to 16 boarders, with each room having a bathroom, kitchen and laundry.
The facility would include communal areas and basement parking for six vehicles, three motor cycles and three bicycles.
The DA said the development met the objectives of the R3 medium density residential zone, and would “provide for a high quality boarding house in close proximity to public transport, Engadine commercial core and community facilities”.
“Importantly, the development responds appropriately to the emerging character of the surrounding locality, specifically medium density housing, and meets a growing portion of the market that seeks more affordable rental accommodation given the housing pressures that are currently being experienced throughout the Sydney region generally,” the DA said.
However, most of the 219 submissions lodged with Sutherland Shire Council presented a different view.
The principal concern was the perceived risk to children in an area which has two primary schools, a high school, numerous child care centres and sporting fields which are used seven days a week.
The present character of the area, with many villas and town houses occupied largely by older residents, was also highlighted.
“Residents of low cost boarding houses are generally from a different demographic,” said a local community leader.
“They are transient, often from backgrounds of drug and alcohol use, sometimes on parole or bail.
“Hundreds of children walk past this site every day.
“Boarding houses need to be located in bigger suburbs close to police and in high density areas, not in friendly, trusting neighbourhood areas.”
Another submission, said based on the finding the Caldarra Avenue site was unsuitable for a boarding house due to its proximity to the schools, this DA should also be rejected.
A submission supporting the DA said, “I feel that this is a good housing product as it is close to shops and station. It is also good to see something apart from townhouses. I also feel it’s nice to see a build to rent option in the shire”.
A plumbing contractor, who lives next door to the proposed development, studied the lengthy DA documents and council and government requirements.
“As to whether it meets the guidelines, I would say it’s no better than 50-50 and more likely 60-40 it shouldn’t go ahead,” he said.
“For one thing, a new law requires one parking spot for ever two occupants, and this DA includes six car spaces for 20 people.”
The contractor said the traffic assessment was based on 2005 figures.
He said the development would have an enormous impact on his home.
“The entry and exit to the boarding house will be right next to our bedroom window,” he said.
“We will have cars driving in and out of the basement car park at all hours, causing noise and exhaust fumes.
“The balconies of the boarding house will overlook our pool and the building will case huge shadows over our backyard summer and winter.”
Sydney South Planning Panel will determine whether the project goes ahead.