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Opal loses bid for aged care home on asbestos-tainted site in western Sydney

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A proposed Opal HealthCare home at St Clair, in Sydney’s west, has been knocked back by Penrith City Council over a number of issues including asbestos contamination.

The $34 million development, announced last year, was to comprise 153 aged care beds across two storeys as well as allied health and other amenities.

Penrith Council refused permission, however, due to a number of objections including buried asbestos at the site from previous demolitions; carparks labelled as “dangerous” and poorly-located; and the possibility of inadequate privacy between bedrooms.

“We are disappointed that the development application was not approved and will continue to work closely with Penrith Council to achieve a successful outcome and to serve the community of St Clair with high quality residential care for older people,” a spokesperson for Opal told the Penrith Press.

Opal this year was granted an $800 million social loan by ANZ, and is planning a community for Carlingford in Sydney’s north.