Terraces/town houses 62% 45

4.10. Housing quality

Overview

Online survey respondents were asked: ‘If I could improve housing quality in the precinct…these would be my priorities’.

Respondents were asked to choose their top priorities from a list of five answer choices provided in the survey.

The results have been summarised in the table below with key themes of responses following overpage.

Table 28 - Housing priorities (Concord/Burwood North Precinct)

Focus any future development around the metro stations 54 45

Refurbish/redevelop commercial properties to improve the quality of accommodation, retail and active centres 49 41

Increase opportunities for younger generations to access housing in the area 46 39

Focus any future development close to retail and activity centres 40 34

Increase the variety of housing types for existing and future residents 37 31

Please note respondents were able to select more than one option listed, therefore percentages do not add up to 100%. Low rise apartments, Burton Street, Concord

Landsdowne House, Concord

Support for future housing development to be focused around the future metro station

• More than half of the survey participants supported the idea that any potential apartment development could be focussed around the future metro station. • Some respondents indicated a need for the increased housing to be appropriate for the infrastructure in place - schools, roads, parking etc. as well as being high quality. • Respondents indicated a need for housing development around the metro station to be mixed used with cafes, restaurant and shops at ground level to foster a vibrant environment.

Support for density around public transport and open spaces • Some respondents also expressed a desire for high rise housing developments around open spaces with good access to public transport and parks. Others also highlighted the opportunities for high rise developments to deliver more open spaces for the community i.e more storeys in turn for dedicating more open spaces for public use.

Concerns with over development/ high rise apartments • A common concern was the loss of what makes this precinct special if tall apartment blocks are introduced. People want to avoid levels of development that Burwood, Rhodes and Epping have experienced. • Other concerns surrounding increased development included potential traffic congestion due to the increased number of people living in the area.

Quality housing developments that complement the character of the Precinct • A number of respondents reiterated the importance of not loosing the qualities that make this precinct a great place to live in now. • One respondent expressed a need for a long-term plan that conserves the residential and suburb feel of the area while providing high density housing development. • A number of respondents want to ensure character, quality and design of buildings adds to the aesthetic quality of the area, rather than detracts.

Support for affordable housing • Respondents indicated a support for more affordable housing in the area. There was increased support for affordable housing around public spaces and parks. • There was support for making housing more affordable to attract more young people into the Precinct. The community said...

I would like to see tighter restrictions on what people can build - like in Haberfield. - survey participant

The houses in Concord and the lack of high density housing in the area. This adds to the village feel of Concord. - survey participant

Lansdown House - historical building which I love.

- survey participant

As a resident, the metro fills me with fear that the Concord district will become overrun with units / apartments, replicating surrounding Burwood, Ashfield and Strathfield.

-survey participant

St Lukes Church is the only historic building. The old post office, on Burwood road, which is marked on the map has no significance, and nobody knows about this was a post office, there is not even a plaque outside the building noting the significance.

- survey participant