The site of a proposed Endeavour Energy electricity substation at Calderwood will be moved so it is located further away from existing and planned schools.
The Department of Planning and Environment has approved a modification to relocate the site from near the existing Illawarra Christian School and the proposed state primary and secondary schools.
Lend Lease’s Concept Plan for Calderwood will provide up to 4,800 homes as well as shops, cafes, restaurants, open space and environmentally protected lands.
A spokesperson for the department said the substation will instead be built about 300m east along Calderwood Road, closer to the existing electric network and further from the school.
The modification request was made available for public feedback and nearby residents and Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils were notified. The department received two submissions that were concerned with the impact on the view of existing residents.
The department assessed the modification request, the submission and Lend Lease’s response and then determined the new location for the future substation.
“The department has also recommended as a condition of consent, that a 10m wide buffer of trees and vegetation must be built along the boundary to reduce the view of the substation,” the spokesperson said.
Modern substations are designed to co-exist with neighbours, particularly in terms of noise, safety and urban design. The substation will be constructed similarly to one built in Figtree.
Endeavour Energy will notify and consult with neighbours when planning the substation.
