New The Forest High School

I object to the development of a High School of the size that is proposed on this site as the development is located in Curl Curl Creek Catchment, which is a High Quality Catchment. It is highly likely that this development will have detrimental effects on the biodiversity and heritage values of the Manly Warringah War Memorial State Park.
Please see attached submission.

My objections relate primarily to Student Safety, traffic and parking issues. See attached!

1. Current carparking spots are 140, new proposed is 121, (13.57%) less. with 500 more students this isn't future proofing the school. This will see more parking in Arnhem road and angry residents continually making complaints to the school principal. I propose increasing this to 160 spots.
2. Synthetic Sports fields should have an additional fence similar to Narrabeen sports high school and accessible for use for the general public on the weekends. I have 4 kids and we live 2 blocks from the proposed new school and would love to use it.
3. Performance theatre is very small compared to all the other buildings. Propose expanding the footprint 125% of current to improve the capacity and capability in this buildings use. Thank you

As long time residents of Allambie Heights who have lived in this suburb for over 30 years, we are very concerned about the impact of this project on the local traffic, particularly on the intersections of Allambie Rd with Aquatic Dr, Rodborough Rd and Warringah Rd. In the past this section of Allambie Rd has been a regular bottle neck for local residents at certain times of the day. Since the opening of the western end of Aquatic Dr this has improved somewhat, but the introduction of bus bays and morning and afternoon school drops offs by parents will once again make this section of Allambie Rd a traffic nightmare. There is already an increase in traffic due to the opening of the Northern Beaches hospital, and with a new 5 level Bunnings currently being built on the corner of Allambie Rd and Rodborough Rd, which is due to open in the near future, traffic will once again be untenable. I cannot see that this issue has been adequately addressed in the planning for the new school.
Further, there appears to have been no effort to address the necessity for cars and buses to turn around after drop offs/pick ups on Aquatic Dr, which will result in potentially dangerous/illegal U turns on this road.
We are also very concerned about parking issues on roads surrounding the school, particularly if there are activities/events outside of school hours. Parking on the school grounds needs to be available in these situations to avoid clogging up local streets.
We would like to see these issues properly addressed before we can support this new school development.
Lynette and Philip Lee

I support this project.

Please see attachment

Re: Appendix N, Figure 3-3.
I am concerned about the impact of the kiss and drop area on Aquatic Drive. The current design of the road will likely lead to parents performing U-turns in the vicinity of the entrance to Madison Way. This is due to there being no place to safely turn around on public property until one reaches the aquatic centre. The left-only-turn on Wakehurst Parkway (for valid safety reasons) means that to reach the majority of the catchment area for the school, one must turn around and exit aquatic drive from the same direction it was entered. The area to the west of the Kiss and Drop area, around the entrance to Madison Way is on the crest of the hill, which further increases the chance of an accident (when coupled with bad driving habits). Despite the speed restrictions for the existing school, I consider that this predictable driving behaviour will create an unnecessary hazard that should be considered as early as possible to ensure the risk is designed out.

Please see my submission document attached.
Context for my submission
I live on Arnhem Road, just 3 houses down from Allambie Road so will be but a stone’s throw away from the school. As such, the new development will affect access to my house via Allambie Road on a daily basis. Furthermore, living here has given me a clear view of the inherent danger of Allambie road particularly on the blind corner. With hundreds more cars and hundreds of students and a gigantic new Bunnings all converging in this small area, there is a recipe for disaster.

Objections

Objection 1: Location of Bus Stops
The proposed location of new and expanded bus stops on Allambie Road, right before the bend, on both sides of the road is dangerous and will lead to accidents. Of particular concern is the way that buses pull out very quickly into traffic and students who will try and cross the road at those locations. The buses also cause traffic build up as they prevent cars from overtaking other cars waiting to turn off Allambie Road into Arnhem Road.
Solution: Relocate all the school bus stops to Aquatic Drive as was communicated at the August community sessions.

Objection 2. Pedestrian access gate on eastern side of school, on Allambie Road
The proposed plan indicates a pedestrian gate on the eastern school boundary on Allambie Road. This pedestrian gate will inevitably encourage parents to do an illegal quick drop-off on Allambie road, on both sides of that stretch of road near that gate. Using this location as a drop-off will be particularly appealing to parents continuing their journey on Allambie Road towards Roseville or down Allambie Rd towards Manly , as there is no easy or quick way to turn around on Aquatic drive. This will not only cause traffic havoc in combination with bus stops and the entrance to Arnhem Road, but will also be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR STUDENTS.

I have observed a similar situation at Allambie Primary School where parents continuously stop on a stretch of Roosevelt Avenue, across from houses 63 to 75, to let their kids into the Eastern Gate near the shops. This stretch of road is clearly signed no stopping at all times and yet parents still do it all the time.
Solution: Keep all pedestrian access gates to the north of the site OR at least, make it impossible for cars to stop and drop on that stretch of Allambie Road.


Objection 3 . Location of driveway directly opposite Arnhem Road.
The proposed plan locates a driveway directly opposite the northern intersection of Anhem Rd and Allambie Road. This is the worst possible location for such a driveway as it will make it even more difficult for any divers wanting to exit Arnhem Rd into Allambie Road. Drivers travelling south will be stopping on a blind corner to turn right into the driveway and this combined with other drivers stopping to turn left into the driveway and left or right into Arnhem Road at peak hour will create havoc and even further danger for pedestrians accessing the pedestrian gate on that same stretch of Allambie Road.
I also query how the school will stop this driveway from also being used by all parents as a quick drop off and students as a pedestrian entrance.
Solution: Move driveway further south, away from the Arnhem Road intersection and make it “no right turn into driveway”.


Objection 4. Widening of Footpath
Widening of existing shared path adjacent to the school along Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road should not reduce width of Allambie Road.
Solution: The path widening must be achieved through cutting into the school site, and not by reducing the width of the road.


Objection 5. Access to Aquatic Drive
It is essential for safety that there is easy access in and out of Aquatic drive.
Solution: Enable turn right at end of Aquatic drive onto Wakehurst Parkway, or build roundabout to enable easy and safe 360 turning.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE SUGGESTION THAT AQUATIC DRIVE IS NOT WIDE ENOUGH FOR A ROUNDABOUT. There are numerous smaller roundabouts on the Northern Beaches. For example, the intersection of Koorala St and Quirk Road North Manly.

Objection 6. Parking
The proposal to restrict parking on residential streets nearby to 2 hours will prevent students from parking there. It will however greatly inconvenience residents who have parked their cars there for decades.
Solution: Have 2 hour parking although provide 24/7 parking permits for households currently requiring them. Or to keep matters simple, allow 2 parking permits per household. The parking arrangement for Year 12 students at the Aquatic Centre MUST be agreed prior to opening of the school. Allow parking in school grounds after school and at weekends.


Objection 7. Noise
The proposal is deemed to not cause “Offensive Noise” to neighbouring residences, subject to the implementation of recommended noise control measures. The standard hours appear to be 6am to 7pm – these are too long.
Solution: Further details are required on the noise control measures, and how they will be enforced. This needs to be clear, with clear accountability and escalation points/people.

Objection 8. Trees / Screens
The front setbacks along Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road allow for the retention of trees and planting of new trees to screen built elements and preserve existing views south and east down Allambie Road.
Solution: The landscaping needs to be significant. There need to be additional trees on the whole length of the Allambie Road to assist in noise reduction and to enhance the site. Facades of Allambie Road facing buildings to be unimposing and modest.


Objection 10. Height of New School
The proposed maximum height of the new school, for every block, exceeds the maximum building height of 8.5 metres under the LEP - by as much as 4 metres for Block C.
Solution: Reduce maximum height to that allowed under the LEP. Apply other Allambie Building Principles – build to similar height. Maintain current building height near residences.


Objection 11. Proximity of new school to Allambie Road
The proposed proximity of the new school to Allambie Road implies significant buildings being built closer to the road and residences.
Solution: Set buildings further back from the road and apply other Allambie Building Principles and precedents established by other owners e.g. CPA.


Objection 12. Parking "on-site" for sport/events on weekends and weeknights.
The proposed plan does not include parking for school or community events on weeknights or weekends leaving no suitable options for parents or community parking during these times. These are times at which the local residents (Arnhem Rd, Sunlea Place) will be parked in their own streets eliminating that as an option.
Solution: Open up school parking for sporting and community events at the school on weeknights and weekends


The Relocation of the new school allows for significant benefits in Frenchs Forest; it is fair that proper plans and funding be provided to mitigate the significant outstanding issues in Allambie Heights – most notably student safety and traffic and parking issues. More can be done than what is currently proposed.

Thank you for taking into consideration these objections and comments. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

Lauren Stern and Richard Griffiths
51 Arnhem Road, Allambie Heights

I am writing to provide objections and comments in relation to the State Significant Development Application.
My objections mainly relate to student (and resident) safety, traffic, parking issues and noise and disruption.
My family live in Arnhem Road and we are concerned about parking and traffic volume and access to Allambie Road. Our 13 year old son catches the bus on Allambie Road every day to go to and from school. He has difficulty even now in safely crossing Allambie Rd and navigating cars speeding up and down Allambie Road and we fear for his safety.

During peak hours, my husband and I have to drive to work and struggle to enter Allambie Rd from our street (Arnhem Rd) as the oncoming vehicles are constant with no break in the traffic. They speed up and down Allambie Rd with total disregard for the speed limit and it is dangerous even now.

In addition, commuters, nearby workers at Cerebral Palsy Alliance and the businesses at 252 Allambie Rd regularly use our street to park their cars. Arnhem Road is full of these parked cars from non-residents. Arnhem Rd residents already have great difficulty in parking their own cars

Furthermore, the new Bunnings which is currently being built will greatly add to the volume of traffic, safety and noise and Allambie Road, Arnhem Rd and surrounding streets cannot cope with this level of traffic and vehicles.

All of these issues will further worsen with the new High School

The parking proposal for the new Forest High School needs further consideration.
Presently there is no proposal for parents, visitors etc coming to the school for events, to use the school’s underground parking.
This will force cars into several inappropriate locations.
These locations are: Aquatic drive - inappropriate as it is heavily used during the day by the businesses in the area. There are also access and visibility issues already present for those who live in the area - eg Maddison Way and those accessing Arranounbai school and the Capt Ron Patrick pool.
- Allambie and Arnhem Road - as Allambie arias has timed restrictions at this end of the street, cars are regularly forced to park in Arnhem road, blocking access and visibility for residents
- Arranounbai driveway. As this driveway will be shared by the new school underground parking - this represents significant issues.
This driveway is already full when Arranounbai has events and is presently inadequate. At this point, I see no proposals to mediate this situation. There is presently nothing in the proposals to stop visitors to the new school from accessing the Arranounbai staff car park or parking on the shared driveway.
Apart from the obvious parking issues, this increase in traffic poses significant potential issues for the students of Arranounbai - most of whom have no concept of road safety. This potential increase in traffic poses safety issues.
There needs to be provision in the plans for visitor parking ‘On Site’ at the new school - not forced into surrounding roads or onto the newly shared driveway.
The driveway and provision of gates in the area has not been adequately addressed.

I object to the proposal given the issues still remaining (see objections raised in my attachment).

I am objecting to the project because there are significant outstanding issues in Allambie Heights and the proposed new site for the Forest High School – most notably student safety and traffic and parking issues. More can be done than what is currently proposed.

Comments attached.

ENVIRONMENT
Loss of trees
A total of 372 trees are the subject of this assessment. A total of 231 trees are proposed to be
cleared.
Core habitat
The western side of the site is densely vegetated. The remainder of the site is largely cleared
with patches of vegetation.
In the Conservation Zones Review: Biodiversity:
The vegetation on the western side to the west is identified as Biodiversity Core Habitat together
with the Biobank site to the west.
The vegetation on the northern side of the eastern portion of the site is identified as a Biodiversity
Corridor and provides connectivity with vegetation to the north and east.
Wildlife corridor
The new school location will increase the existing levels of fragmentation for the
mapped wildlife corridor and reduce connectivity (including canopy) for wildlife.
Duffys Forest EEC
“This Sydney Ironstone Bloodwood-Silvertop Ash forest community (PCT 1786) includes an
area of 0.35 hectares of moderate-good condition and 0.41 hectares of low condition. The
0.35 hectare area of moderate-good community constitutes Duffys Forest Ecological
Community in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, which is listed as an ‘endangered ecological
community’ under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.”
The proposal will permanently remove 0.43 hectares of native vegetation, including 0.28 hectares
of Duffys Forest Endangered Ecological Community in moderate-good condition and 0.15 hectares
in low condition.
Biobank site
The Site adjoins land zoned C2 Environmental Conservation. The proposal puts at risk the
conservation values of this Biobank site.
Warringah DCP 2011: Landscape Open Space and bushland – 50% of site for the subject site.
The proposal does not comply with this development control to ensure low impact, low intensity
development that will protect vegetation and catchment values.
Bushfire and APZ
‘The Northern Beaches Council Bushfire Prone Land Map indicates that bushfire prone
vegetation is located on the western half of the site and to the west of the site towards
Madison Way.”
A 67 metre wide Asset Protection Zone will be provided to the vegetation within the western
portion of the site (Duffys Forest) and a 35 metre wide Asset Protection Zone will be provided to
the north as a precautionary measure. The 67 metre APZ will remove much of the vegetation (including Duffys Forest) on the western half of the site. The 35m APZ along the northern boundary will result in the loss of vegetation and
wildlife corridor. The Inner Protection Area, which extends across the western side of the site and the northern
boundary on the eastern side, has a canopy cover of no greater than 14.5%.

CATCHMENT
The site is located in the upper catchment of Manly Dam and Curl Curl Creek. The site formed part of the catchment land for Manly’s water supply from 1892-1932 and 1940’s. The development is located in Curl Curl Creek Catchment, which is a High Quality Catchment A threshold limit of 10% impervious areas is recommended to protect the Catchment. The proposal would increase impervious surfaces within the site and Catchment. This includes five sports courts and a sports field with a proposed artificial all weather surface. The proposed excavation and earthworks would impact on landform and hydrology. Stringent stormwater quantity and quality targets are required for high priority catchments to protect creeks and/or downstream receiving waters with high ecological value. Negative impacts on water quality and quantity will affect downstream areas, including the Heritage Conservation Area: Manly Dam and Surrounds (Item C9 in the LEP).

Ephemeral creek
An ephemeral creek traverses the north western portion of the site. Surface runoff flows into Manly
Dam Reserve via a tributary of Curl Curl Creek that traverses Madison Estate.

Sports Courts and Sports Field
The proposal includes five sports courts and a full FIFA sized sports field with an all weather artificial surface. This will increase impervious areas and environmental impacts. Sports courts – The sports courts are proposed to be multi-purpose courts (basketball, netball, and passive recreation uses) and floodlit for night use, which will increase the intensity of use.
Sports field: “Both natural and artificial sports field surfaces have been considered in the design
process. Due to usage requirements, both Northern Beaches Council (for community use) and SI
request an artificial surface, full FIFA sized sports field.”

INTENSITY OF USE
Current population 800 students; Proposed 1500 students (nearly double). “Relocation of The Forest High School involves the construction and operation of a new government high school which will increase capacity from 800 students to 1,500 students.”
The new school will provide for a capacity of 1,500 students in years 7 to 12 (an increase from 800 existing) and 120 staff (an increase from 80 existing). The new site is significantly smaller than the existing school site yet is expected to accommodate
nearly twice the population. The proposed site has an area of 4.2ha whereas the existing Forest High School has an est. area
of 6.4ha. The proposed site is less than two thirds the existing site. The 4.2ha includes the western portion (est.1.4ha) which is mostly vegetated. The Warringah Development Control Plan requires that: Where land is shown on DCP Map
Landscaped Open Space and Bushland Setting as “ Bushland Setting”, a minimum of 50% of the
site area must remain undisturbed by development and is to be kept as natural bushland or landscaped with locally indigenous species.” The comparatively small site is not adequate to cope with this major influx. The intensity of use is not appropriate for this site and will have potential impacts on the surrounding area in Manly Dam Catchment.
A school of this size and intensity will result in land use conflicts with conservation values in Manly Dam Catchment.

COMMUNITY USE
The use of the sports courts and sports field by sporting clubs will put further pressure on the provision of facilities, such as parking, to cope with the influx.“Sports field - The sports field should be a multi-purpose sports field (football, soccer,
hockey), floodlit for night use, and should be an all-weather surface. It should be competition size and available to sports clubs for practice and weekend sports to benefit the wider community.” (Northern Beaches Council) “Sports courts - The sports courts should be multi-purpose courts (basketball, netball, and passive recreation uses), floodlit for night use, and may be an all-weather surface. They should be accessible to the public and sporting clubs for practice and weekend
sports to benefit the wider community.” (Northern Beaches Council).

TRAFFIC AND PARKING
The need for parking and bus bays would also impact on the environment. For example: On-street pick-up/drop-off bays on the northern and southern sides of Aquatic Drive; Widening of existing shared path adjacent to the school along Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road. “The ‘kiss and drop’ facility has been designed to accommodate 692 students (46% of full
capacity) being dropped off/picked up, consistent with the assumed modal split. This has necessitated a total kiss and drop bay length of 189 metres proposed along Aquatic Drive.” The widening of Aquatic Drive for parking and bus bays is likely to impact on the environment, including the Biobank site

Inadequate parking
“A staff car park will be located underground at the center of the site beneath the playing field. The
car park provides 121 parking spaces for the 120 school staff.” “No provision has been made for Year 12 students to drive to the school in order to encourage students to walk, cycle, or take the bus to prevent additional congestion during school peaks.”
Where will parents, visitors and the community park to attend events or use facilities? An increased demand for parking and bus bays will have further impacts on the surrounding environment and land use. For the proposed intensive school and community use – there is no scope for expansion.

SAFETY
With limited parking students will be more dependent on bus or active transport, walking or cycling to school.
How safe is it for teenagers on bicycles to negotiate busy roads in this vicinity? Allambie Road is a relatively steep hill and the site is opposite a light industrial area with trucks. Frenchs Forest High School has a large catchment area, which extends to Seaforth and encompasses a large area of Frenchs Forest mainly north of Warringah Road. It would not be safe or convenient for many students to access 187 Allambie Road by bicycle. This in turn will increase demand for parking and bus bays in Manly Dam Catchment.

PUBLIC INTEREST
Cost; It will cost $112m for a new school in this location. Is this investment justified? The site is too small to provide for the existing and future needs of Frenchs Forest High School.

ALTERNATIVES
Retain existing public education land in Frenchs Forest to provide facilities for education that will
cater for future needs. Given the constraints of the site and surrounding land use an alternative is to upgrade the school in
its existing location, where it is more accessible by public transport, and can be co-located with proposed community facilities.
The existing oval at Forest High could also be retained for community use and school use. The area of the Forest High School sports field is est. 2.5ha. The existing playing field is already used by the community for weekend sport.

PLANNING CONTROLS
SEPP – Biodiversity and Conservation - Chapter 6 Bushland in Urban Areas
(1) The general aim of this Chapter is to protect and preserve bushland within the urban areas
referred to in Schedule 5 because of—
(a) its value to the community as part of the natural heritage,
(b) its aesthetic value, and
(c) its value as a recreational, educational and scientific resource.
Note. The proposal is not consistent with the aims of Chapter

I am writing to provide objections and comments in relation to the State Significant Development Application.

My objections relate primarily to Student Safety, traffic and parking issues.
Objection 1: Location of Bus Stops
The proposed location of three new bus stops on Allambie Road just before the bends is dangerous and will lead to accidents.
Solution: Relocate the bus stops to Aquatic Drive as was communicated at the August community sessions.

Objection 2. Pedestrian access gate on eastern side of school, on Allambie Road
The proposed plan indicates a pedestrian gate on the eastern school boundary on Allambie Road. This pedestrian gate will inevtably encourage parents to do an illegal quick drop-off, on both sides of that stretch of road. Using this location as a drop off will be particularly appealing to parents continuing their journey down Allambie Rd as there is no easy or quick way to turn around on Aquatic drive. This will not only cause traffic havoc in combination with bus stops and the entrance to Arnhem Road, but will also be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR STUDENTS.
Solution: Keep all pedestrian access gates to the north of the site OR at least, make it impossible for cars to stop and drop on that stretch of Allambie Road.
Objection 3 . Location of driveway directly opposite Arnhem Road.
The proposed plan locates a driveway directly opposite the northern intersection with Allambie Road. This is the worst possible location for such a driveway as it will make it even more difficult for divers wanting to exit Arnhem Rd into Allambie Road. Drivers travelling south will be stopping on a blind corner to turn right into the driveway and this combined with other drivers stopping to turn left into the driveway and left or right into Arnhem Road at peak hour will create havoc and even further danger for pedestrians accessing the pedestrian gate on that same stretch of Allambie Road..
Solution: Move driveway further south, away from the Arnhem Road intersection and make it “no right turn into driveway”.


Objection 4. Widening of Footpath
Widening of existing shared path adjacent to the school along Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road should not reduce width of Allambie Road.
Solution: The path widening must be achieved through cutting into the school site, and not by reducing the width of the road.

Objection 5. Access to Aquatic Drive
It is essential for safety that there is easy access in and out of Aquatic drive.
Solution: Enable turn right at end of Aquatic drive onto Wakehurst Parkway, or build roundabout to enable easy and safe 360 turning.

Objection 6. Parking
The proposal to restrict parking on residential streets nearby to 2 hours will prevent students from parking there. It will however greatly inconvenience residents who have parked their cars there for decades.
Solution: Have 2 hour parking although provide 24/7 parking permits for households currently requiring them. Or to keep matters simple, allow 2 parking permits per household. The parking arrangement for Year 12 students at the Aquatic Centre to be agreed prior to opening of the school. Allow parking in school grounds after school and at weekends.
Nearby residential street Arnhem Road is already very congested with cars from over development of sites with granny flats, and double marked lines preventing street parking in a large area of the available gutter lengths. Allow parking on both sides of the street in all areas and make the street one way. Remove caravan, boat and trailer parking from Arnhem Road.

Objection 7. Noise
The proposal is deemed to not cause “Offensive Noise” to neighbouring residences, subject to the implementation of recommended noise control measures. The standard hours appear to be 6am to 7pm – these are too long.
Solution: Further details are required on the noise control measures, and how they will be enforced.This needs to be clear, with clear accountability and escalation points/people.

Objection 8. Trees / Screens
The front setbacks along Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road allow for the retention of trees and planting of new trees to screen built elements and preserve existing views south and east down Allambie Road.
Solution: The landscaping needs to be significant. There need to be additional trees on the whole length of the Allambie Road to assist in noise reduction and to enhance the site. Facades of Allambie Road facing buildings to be unimposing and modest.

Objection 9. Appropriateness of New Site
The old site allowed for an average area of c.97 square metres per child. The new site allows for an average area of c.30 square metres per child. The roads near the proposed site are bottlenecked and dangerous.
Solution: Find a different site


Objection 10. Height of New School
The proposed maximum height of the new school, for every block, exceeds the maximum building height of 8.5 metres under the LEP - by as much as 4 metres for Block C.
Solution: Reduce maximum height to that allowed under the LEP. Apply other Allambie Building Principles – build to similar height. Maintain current building height near residences

Objection 11. Proximity of new school to Allambie Road
The proposed proximity of the new school to Allambie Road implies significant buildings being built closer to the road and residences.
Solution: Set buildings back from the road and apply other Allambie Building Principles and precedents established by other owners eg CPA. Maintain current building footprint near residences

Objection 12. Parking "on-site" for sport/events on weekends and weeknights.
The proposed plan does not include parking for school or community events on weeknights or weekends leaving no suitable options for parents or community parking during these times. These are times at which the local residents (Arnhem Rd, Sunlea Place) will be parked in their own streets eliminating that as an option.
Solution: Open up school parking for sporting and community events at the school on weeknights and weekends.


Nearby Streets are already congested with cars from over development of site with granny flats, double marked lines preventin street parting.

New The Forest High School
Application No: SSD-26876801

Location:
Lot 6 & Lot 7 DP 1280781, Lot 750 & Lot 751 DP 1271174, Allambie Road, Allambie
Heights (formerly 187 Allambie Road)

Some of the concerns for such a development on the edge of the Manly Warringah War
Memorial State Park are as follows:

○ Both the FF Precinct Plan and relocation of Forest High School will put increasing pressure on the Manly Dam Catchment and Manly Warringah War Memorial State Park.
○ The height of buildings could detract from scenic views within the Park. This is
referred to in the 2014 MWWMSP Plan of Management.
○ Significant environmental issues need to be managed in construction and operation.
○ The DCP identifies the site as a wildlife corridor - considerations will need to be
given to vegetation and habitat and potential for threatened species.
○ The DCP plan requires retention of 50% open space and bushland area.
○ The need for an APZ for the school will have a significant impact on the surrounding
bush.

The chosen site adjoins a Biobanking site on the western boundary. This cannot be used as
an APZ and must be protected.

Previous experience with a school development in or near the Catchment was Manly Vale Public School in 2017. This development continues to have drainage and runoff problems for
residents in nearby streets. The clearing for the APZ has caused considerable damage to the bush and waterways downstream.

Some further considerations are:

ENVIRONMENT & LAND USE ISSUES regarding relocation of the school.
● There is no mention of the environment and land use constraints of this site.
● The area proposed for the new high school is much smaller than the existing site.
● The site has limitations for a large high school and there is little scope for expansion.
● The high school will be in close proximity to Manly Warringah War Memorial State Park.
● Increased impacts on the Park’s natural areas associated with increased intensity of use.
● Increased resources will be required to manage the conservation values of the Park.
● The land is located in Manly Dam Catchment which is not suitable for intensive
development.
● Buildings above the height limit of 8.5m on this site could be visible from within Manly Dam Reserve. From POM: “Development is to be designed to ensure that long distance views of the land are not dominated by the built form.”
● Stringent stormwater requirements should apply to the Catchment area. This includes the application of NORBI criteria to protect Curl Curl Creek.

A total of 372 trees are the subject of this assessment. A total of 231 trees are proposed to be cleared.

Core habitat
The western side of the site is densely vegetated. The remainder of the site is largely cleared
with patches of vegetation.

In the Conservation Zones Review: Biodiversity:
The vegetation on the western side to the west is identified as Biodiversity Core Habitat together with the Biobank site to the west.
The vegetation on the northern side of the eastern portion of the site is identified as a Biodiversity Corridor and provides connectivity with vegetation to the north and east.

Wildlife corridor
The new school location will increase the existing levels of fragmentation for the
mapped wildlife corridor and reduce connectivity (including canopy) for wildlife.

Duffys Forest EEC
“This Sydney Ironstone Bloodwood-Silvertop Ash forest community (PCT 1786) includes an
area of 0.35 hectares of moderate-good condition and 0.41 hectares of low condition. The
0.35 hectare area of moderate-good community constitutes Duffys Forest Ecological
Community in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, which is listed as an ‘endangered ecological
community’ under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.”

The proposal will permanently remove 0.43 hectares of native vegetation, including 0.28 hectares of Duffys Forest Endangered Ecological Community in moderate-good condition and 0.15 hectares in low condition.

Biobank site
The Site adjoins land zoned C2 Environmental Conservation. The proposal puts at risk the conservation values of this Biobank site.


A further analysis is required of the direct / indirect impacts on surrounding land use in Manly Dam Catchment. The proposed intensive use is not compatible with conservation values in Curl Curl Creek Catchment.

Some important references:

DCP - Landscaped Open Space and Bushland Setting 50% of the site (D1)
DCP East to West Wildlife corridor (E4)
DCP Native vegetation (E5)
BIOBANK SITE adjoins western boundary.

Bushfire prone land Northern Beaches Bush Fire Prone Land Map. Certified 7 August
2020

DCP – Landscaped Open Space – 50% of the site (D1) DCP - Landscaped Open Space and
Bushland Setting 50% of the site

DCP – F3
F3 SP1 Special Activities (Warringah Development Control Plan » Part F Zones and
Sensitive Areas)

Warringah DCP 2011: Landscape Open Space and bushland – 50% of site for the subject site.
The proposal does not comply with this development control to ensure low impact, low intensity development that will protect vegetation and catchment values.

SEPP – Biodiversity and Conservation - Chapter 6 Bushland in Urban Areas
(1) The general aim of this Chapter is to protect and preserve bushland within the urban areas
referred to in Schedule 5 because of—
(a) its value to the community as part of the natural heritage,
(b) its aesthetic value, and
(c) its value as a recreational, educational and scientific resource.


Bushfire and APZ
‘The Northern Beaches Council Bushfire Prone Land Map indicates that bushfire prone
vegetation is located on the western half of the site and to the west of the site towards
Madison Way.” The 67 metre APZ will remove much of the vegetation (including Duffys Forest) on the western half of the site. The 35m APZ along the northern boundary will result in the loss of vegetation and wildlife corridor

The Inner Protection Area, which extends across the western side of the site and the northern boundary on the eastern side, has a canopy cover of no greater than 14.5%.

CATCHMENT
The site is located in the upper catchment of Manly Dam and Curl Curl Creek. which is a high quality water catchment that needs to be rigorously protected. Stringent stormwater quantity and quality targets are required for high priority catchments to protect creeks and/or downstream receiving waters with high ecological value. Negative impacts on water quality and quantity will affect downstream areas, including the Heritage Conservation Area: Manly Dam and Surrounds (Item C9 in the LEP).



A threshold limit of 10% impervious areas is recommended to protect the Catchment.

The proposal would increase impervious surfaces within the site and Catchment. This includes five sports courts and a sports field with a proposed artificial all weather surface.

The proposed excavation and earthworks would impact on landform and hydrology.


An ephemeral creek traverses the north western portion of the site. Surface runoff flows into Manly Dam Reserve via a tributary of Curl Curl Creek that traverses Madison Estate.


The proposed site has an area of 4.2ha whereas the existing Forest High School has an est. area of 6.4ha. The proposed site is less than two thirds the existing site.

The 4.2ha includes the western portion (est.1.4ha) which is mostly vegetated.

The Warringah Development Control Plan requires that: Where land is shown on DCP Map Landscaped Open Space and Bushland Setting as “Bushland Setting”, a minimum of 50% of the site area must remain undisturbed by development and is to be kept as natural bushland or landscaped with locally indigenous species.”

The intensity of use is not appropriate for this site and will have potential impacts on the surrounding area in Manly Dam Catchment.

A school of this size and intensity will result in land use conflicts with conservation values in Manly Dam Catchment.

The widening of Aquatic Drive for parking and bus bays is likely to impact on the environment, including the Biobank site

PUBLIC INTEREST

Given the constraints of the site and surrounding land use an alternative is to upgrade the school in its existing location, where it is more accessible by public transport, and can be co-located with proposed community facilities.

The existing oval at Forest High could also be retained for community use and school use.
The area of the Forest High School sports field is est. 2.5ha.
The existing playing field is already used by the community for weekend sport.

Re: Proposal for New Forest High School in Allambie Heights
To Whom it may concern
I am writing to provide objections and comments in relation to the State Significant Development Application.
My objections relate primarily to Student Safety, traffic and parking issues.

I drive up Allambie Road daily and am concerned about the traffic and safety.

Objection 1: Location of Bus Stops
The proposed location of three new bus stops on Allambie Road just before the bends is dangerous and will lead to accidents.
Solution: Relocate the bus stops to Aquatic Drive as was communicated at the August community sessions.

Objection 2. Pedestrian access gate on eastern side of school, on Allambie Road
The proposed plan indicates a pedestrian gate on the eastern school boundary on Allambie Road. This pedestrian gate will inevtably encourage parents to do an illegal quick drop-off, on both sides of that stretch of road. Using this location as a drop off will be particularly appealing to parents continuing their journey down Allambie Rd as there is no easy or quick way to turn around on Aquatic drive. This will not only cause traffic havoc in combination with bus stops and the entrance to Arnhem Road, but will also be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR STUDENTS.
Solution: Keep all pedestrian access gates to the north of the site OR at least, make it impossible for cars to stop and drop on that stretch of Allambie Road.
Objection 3 . Location of driveway directly opposite Arnhem Road.
The proposed plan locates a driveway directly opposite the northern intersection with Allambie Road. This is the worst possible location for such a driveway as it will make it even more difficult for divers wanting to exit Arnhem Rd into Allambie Road. Drivers travelling south will be stopping on a blind corner to turn right into the driveway and this combined with other drivers stopping to turn left into the driveway and left or right into Arnhem Road at peak hour will create havoc and even further danger for pedestrians accessing the pedestrian gate on that same stretch of Allambie Road..
Solution: Move driveway further south, away from the Arnhem Road intersection and make it “no right turn into driveway”.
Objection 4. Widening of Footpath
Widening of existing shared path adjacent to the school along Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road should not reduce width of Allambie Road.
Solution: The path widening must be achieved through cutting into the school site, and not by reducing the width of the road.
Objection 5. Access to Aquatic Drive
It is essential for safety that there is easy access in and out of Aquatic drive.
Solution: Enable turn right at end of Aquatic drive onto Wakehurst Parkway, or build roundabout to enable easy and safe 360 turning.
Objection 6. Parking
The proposal to restrict parking on residential streets nearby to 2 hours will prevent students from parking there. It will however greatly inconvenience residents who have parked their cars there for decades.
Solution: Have 2 hour parking although provide 24/7 parking permits for households currently requiring them. Or to keep matters simple, allow 2 parking permits per household. The parking arrangement for Year 12 students at the Aquatic Centre to be agreed prior to opening of the school. Allow parking in school grounds after school and at weekends.
Objection 7. Noise
The proposal is deemed to not cause “Offensive Noise” to neighboring residences, subject to the implementation of recommended noise control measures. The standard hours appear to be 6am to 7pm – these are too long.
Solution: Further details are required on the noise control measures, and how they will be enforced. This needs to be clear, with clear accountability and escalation points/people.
Objection 8. Trees / Screens
The front setbacks along Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road allow for the retention of trees and planting of new trees to screen-built elements and preserve existing views south and east down Allambie Road.
Solution: The landscaping needs to be significant. There need to be additional trees on the whole length of the Allambie Road to assist in noise reduction and to enhance the site. Facades of Allambie Road facing buildings to be unimposing and modest.
Objection 9. Appropriateness of New Site
The old site allowed for an average area of c.97 square meters per child. The new site allows for an average area of c.30 square meters per child. The roads near the proposed site are bottlenecked and dangerous.
Solution: Find a different site
Objection 10. Height of New School
The proposed maximum height of the new school, for every block, exceeds the maximum building height of 8.5 meters under the LEP - by as much as 4 meters for Block C.
Solution: Reduce maximum height to that allowed under the LEP. Apply other Allambie Building Principles – build to similar height. Maintain current building height near residences
Objection 11. Proximity of new school to Allambie Road
The proposed proximity of the new school to Allambie Road implies significant buildings being built closer to the road and residences.
Solution: Set buildings back from the road and apply other Allambie Building Principles and precedents established by other owners eg CPA. Maintain current building footprint near residences
Objection 12. Parking "on-site" for sport/events on weekends and weeknights.
The proposed plan does not include parking for school or community events on weeknights or weekends leaving no suitable options for parents or community parking during these times. These are times at which the local residents (Arnhem Rd, Sunlea Place) will be parked in their own streets eliminating that as an option.
Solution: Open up school parking for sporting and community events at the school on weeknights and weekends
The Relocation of the new school allows for significant benefits in Frenchs Forest; it is fair that proper plans and funding be provided to mitigate the significant outstanding issues in Allambie Heights – most notably student safety and traffic and parking issues. More can be done than what is currently proposed.

Thank you for taking into consideration these objections and comments. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully
Ian Aikman

I strongly support the project as it will improve the educational experience of students at The Forest High School by providing a high quality design and up to date technology. The project will deliver important social infrastructure for the area, encouraging more families to use the public education system. The project would also provide an improved working environment for the teaching staff and will attract new teachers to the school. I support the proposed traffic measures to provide pedestrian safety and improve traffic control through the intersection. The project will improve the site in Allambie Heights as the existing dilapidated building attracts vandals. The existing school in Frenchs Forest is very old and requires substantial maintenance, presenting a cost burden. The project will provide substantial public benefits.