Residents Rally Once More as Kurrajong Heights Pub Proposal Returns

The residents of Kurrajong Heights are once again rallying against a proposed pup/poker machine development in their historic precinct, as the developer has submitted a new development application (DA) following widespread community opposition to the original plans. The revised proposal, lodged on August 16th, 2024, has sparked fresh concerns, prompting community members to resubmit their objections before the August 30th deadline.

Jeremy Braithwaite, leader of the Kurrajong Heights Heritage Committee, has been at the forefront of the campaign to protect the area’s unique character. In an email sent to the 135 residents who objected to the initial proposal, Braithwaite emphasised the need for immediate action, urging them to submit new objections as their previous submissions are now invalid.

“The new DA is essentially a reworked version of the original proposal, with some modifications, but it remains a massive overdevelopment that is not compliant with the B1 zoning or the heritage requirements of Kurrajong Heights,” Braithwaite said.

An artists impression of the development.

The revised plans still include a four-storey structure that would dwarf and overshadow surrounding heritage buildings, including the historic Lochiel House. Braithwaite’s analysis highlights several major issues with the new proposal, including extensive excavation work that would involve 331 large truck movements, raising concerns about soil erosion and potential contamination of Wheeny Creek.

The community’s concerns extend to traffic management, with the revised plans suggesting that all traffic would enter via Douglas Road and exit onto Warks Hill Road, creating potential bottlenecks and safety hazards near the busy Bells Line of Road (BLOR). Additionally, the proposal indicates that all water would need to be trucked to the site, and waste removed, further exacerbating traffic and access issues.

Noise pollution is another significant concern, as the updated plans include expanded verandas, a large smoking area, and a beer garden, which residents fear will lead to increased noise levels throughout the area. The possibility of live music events attracting large crowds from outside the area has also been flagged as a major issue not adequately addressed in the developer’s acoustic report.

Other objections raised by the community include the potential impact on local wildlife, particularly the koala habitat, the removal of trees, light pollution, and the invasion of privacy for nearby residents, including the adjacent church.

This is not the first time Kurrajong Heights residents have mobilised against the pub development. In May 2022, a packed meeting at the local bowling club saw around 50 residents express their concerns about the original $7 million proposal, which they feared would destroy the heritage and ambience of their tight-knit community. The proposal, put forward by developer Bashir Merhi, director of Balma Projects Pty Ltd, included plans for a modern pub with VIP access to a gaming room, up to 22 poker machines, and the capacity to cater to over 300 patrons per night.

Despite minor changes, the revised proposal has done little to alleviate the community’s concerns. “A concrete monolith surrounded by a picket fence does not fit,” Braithwaite said in a previous meeting, encapsulating the sentiment of many residents who believe the development would irreparably damage the character of Kurrajong Heights.

Residents are encouraged to submit their objections to the Hawkesbury Council before August 30th, 2024.