Department of Housing development

I am receiving correspondecne from residents of Warren Street, Ryde about a proposal by the Department of Housing to demolish four houses in a row and replace them with 17 one and two storey units. The units are intended for people who are disabled or aged over 55. Hey that's me! (over 55 I mean). There is a State Planning Policy that overrides Council codes allowing this type of development to be approved.

Issues raised in the correspondence include:

• the proposal is not consistent with the local area which contains only low density dwellings;
• only 5 parking spaces are provided for the 17 units which is substantially less than Council codes would require if they applied to the development;
• the area has poor infrastructure, with no footpaths for wheelchair-bound residents;
• it is over 1 km to the nearest shops, which would make things difficult for disabled people without a car.

We shall have to await the assessment report from Council staff.