St Peters residents say they have been ambushed by the WestConnex Delivery Authority's decision to send compulsory acquisition letters for 41 properties in the suburb before an environmental impact statement has been prepared on the project.

The letters were sent last Friday to residents in Brown Street, Campbell Street, Campbell Road, and Florence Street in St Peters confirming the WDA needs to acquire their properties and requires vacant possession by early 2016.

Ambushed: The Lockie-O'Brien family arrived home from overseas to a letter from the WestConnex Delivery Authority stating their Brown Street property is earmarked for acquisition.

Another four property owners have been told the status of their homes is still to be confirmed.

Warren O'Brien and Pauline Lockie arrived back from overseas on Friday to receive the news that their property in Brown Street was one of those earmarked for acquisition.

