60-78 Regent Street Redevelopment

The 18 storey proposal would have a significantly detrimental impact on the daily lives and homes of neighbouring residents in 157 Redfern St and 7-9 Gibbons St. The reasons for opposing this scheme include:
* Views destroyed - any views to the east or south-east will disappear forever if this proposal goes ahead. An 18 storey building will block all views. Any residence looking east would look out at another building rather than Redfern / the Sydney skyline.
* Privacy destroyed - the proposed building will be 13m away (SEPP 65 says it should be a minimum of 18m). All views east would be replaced with direct confronting views of individual student rooms i.e. many neighbours looking straight into your apartment and balcony.
* Sun & daylight reduced - eastern light will be blocked out. There will be huge overshadowing of the east / south-east façade of 7-9 Gibbons St and 157 Redfern St.
* The value of any apartment on the east of 157 Redfern St and 7-9 Gibbons St would be greatly reduced due to their drastic loss of amenity.
* The proposal is not compliant with `SEPP 65': state-wide planning policies designed to protect the amenity of residents and ensure appropriate housing is built in NSW. It contravenes the separation distance from neighbouring buildings AND the setback distance from the street front. The proposal is clearly inappropriate for the site.
* Student housing (temporary residents) would be prioritised over residents who live and contribute to the area permanently. The light, views and amenity of permanent residents would be drastically diminished by this proposal.
* Outside the CBD there is little precedent for constructing RESIDENTIAL tower blocks in a triangular plan arrangement (as this proposal would create) because the blocks impact negatively on each other's views, light and privacy.
* Community engagement appears negligible. The report from the `consultation evening' was composed by the planning consultants who would inevitably and understandably put a positive spin on any comments received. The public concerns do not seem to have been adequately addressed either eg. what are the overshadowing impacts of the proposal?
* The proposal would create noise pollution from the student population at night compared to local families / working residents.
* The proposal would set a dangerous precedent that SEP 65 is unimportant and not valued. New developments should be held to the highest standards, and new developments should not be approved where they are to the obvious and significant detriment of existing homes.

For the foreseeable future it would also involve for neighbouring properties:
* Noise pollution - construction work 6 / 7 days a week, lasting 1.5 years + (estimated construction time).
* Air pollution - considerable dust and air pollution to surrounding buildings during construction. Windows & balcony doors will need to be kept shut and balconies will be virtually unusable. This could be detrimental to residents' health.

It is clear that this proposal is inappropriate and unsuitable on many levels for this site. It would have a significant detrimental effect on local permanent residents. It is also hard to see how this proposal could be justified given its ignorance / avoidance of SEPP 65 development controls.

Inadequate Prior Community Consolation
Destruction of Regent St frontage
Violation of existing building seperations
Dramatic impact to privacy of 157 Redfern St and 7-9 Gibbons St
OverShadowing of existing buildings
Dramatic impact to value and aesthetics of current developments
Parking issues
Lack of need for this style of expensive Student housing
Introduction of transient non-family orientated populations
Influx of drinking age students to the Redfern area
Noise pollution

I live in an apartment on the 10th floor of the DEICOTA building. The new Iglu building will block the majority of sunlight coming into my apartment. Additionally I will no longer have any view at all, all I will see is someone else's apartment.

The DEICOTA building has only been standing a handful of years, I don't see how it's acceptable that a new building can be built that completely blocks one side of the DEICOTA building so soon.

There is hardly any street parking in Redfern already, building a new major tower block with no internal parking will completely overload the few spaces currently available.

As a resident of 157 Redfern street, this proposal would completed block the view from our apartment and a lot of natural sunlight. Our privacy will also be invaded by having people looking into our apartment from only 13 metres away. This will greatly lower the value of the current properties and rental capabilities. Parking is already an issue in Redfern and this building will only worsen that issue.

This 18 story student building must be stoped the impact the building will have on the area will set Redfern back 10 years it is just starting to rebuild itself this building will add no value to the area and in fact will lower values.

THIS MUST BE STOPED!!!

1. This building does not meet all the legal requirements for setbacks from existing buildings and street setbacks. It is grose overdevelopment of this small site. Therefore should not be approved.

2. Adjacent buildings will be overshadowed.

3. It will be an awful eyesaw to the street.

4. We have not received any notification from the planning department.

To whom it may concern,

as a resident on the east side of the deicorp building at 157 redfern st I am highly concerned regarding the nature of the design and its impact on the neighbourhood, namely;

1. the closeness off the building to the east side of the deicorp building will:
i) significantly decrease the light access for the residents
ii) reduce the amenity and views of all residents living below the 17th floor
iii) create a cave like environment for all residents that would be unique in all of Sydney in the severely restricted views and access to natural light
iv) break planning laws in relation to the closeness of two opposing buildings - again, unique in all of Sydney

2. severely impact the community amenity by introducing high density living in an area that does not have sufficient parking

3. create a potential `slum of tomorrow` should the business fail - given the use specific design should such a high capital, high risk business fail the ability to convert the building for alternate uses would be severely limited/ highly expensive given the skinny floorplan. This should be considered given the large number of uni accommodation coming on the market soon in the immediate area

I believe a development of no more than 8 stories on a similar floorplan and at greater remove (inline with planning laws) would be more appropriate for the area. A good example of a more suitable development is the new student accommodation being built on Cleveland st near the corner of regent. This would be lower risk and in keeping with the general area.

I object to the proposed development on the following grounds:


1. Violation of existing building seperations


2. Dramatic impact to privacy of 157 Redfern St and 7-9 Gibbons St


3. OverShadowing of existing buildings


4. Dramatic impact to value and aesthetics of current developments


5. Parking issues


6. Lack of need for this style of expensive Student housing


7. Introduction of transient non-family orientated populations

8. Influx of drinking age students to the Redfern area

9. Noise pollution

for these reasons I believe the development to create a significant negative impact on the surrounding area and should not be approved in its current form. I believe a shorter development, more inline with the area should be considered.

Regards,

Florence Tomasetig

Objection to proposed building as it has dramatic impact to privacy of 157 Redfern St and 7-9 Gibbons St and destruction of Regent St frontage.

Inadequate Prior Community Consolation
Destruction of Regent St frontage
Violation of existing building seperations
Dramatic impact to privacy of 157 Redfern St and 7-9 Gibbons St
OverShadowing of existing buildings
Dramatic impact to value and aesthetics of current developments
Parking issues
Lack of need for this style of expensive Student housing
Introduction of transient non-family orientated populations
Influx of drinking age students to the Redfern area
Noise pollution

I wish to oppose this development due to lack of separation between the Deicota and Urba buildings as well as the affect on aesthetics to Regent Street shop frontage.

This development would mean my apartment would be completely blocked in as the Gibbons Street apartment is cutting off the south view, this development would cut off the east view. I also would have no privacy or sunlight as this 18 story development would tower over mine.

I wish to to object to the proposed development.

I first moved to Redfern in 2003. Since that time there have been a number of development proposals for Redfern, Eveleigh and Darlington. Redevelopment of Redfern St and Redfern Park was the first step and has improved the area considerably. Redfern is now going through a period of slow and measured development, retaining much of the charm of the area.

In line with this Deicorp has built two 18 storey residential buildings alongside the GCA buildings. While they appear prominent against the western skyline they are nevertheless, well designed, providing good quality apartment living, in sympathy to the neighbourhood. The placement of the buildings does much to help them blend in without being obtrusive.

The proposed development, to be built on Regent St, in front of the first Deicorp building, will increase density to a level out of keeping with the neighbourhood, overshadowing existing buildings. I live very close to Regent Street. Given the size of the proposed development I am concerned with the visual impact it will have, sitting right at the end of the street.

The lane from Redfern St to the railway station is already a wind tunnel and strong breezes occur. The thoroughfare is used as the main access point between Redfern St and the railway. The wind assessment considers this acceptable only for areas where there is little pedestrian activity or for fast walking. A further development of the size proposed will increase pedestrian access considerably. I am concerned that the placement of a further 18 storey building on Regent St will increase the wind tunnel effect and given the proposed building separation may even create a further wind tunnel down William Lane.

There are already two 18 storey apartment buildings. I question the need for a third, particularly given the purpose to which it will be put - student accommodation. Based on current valuations, rents would be expensive, presumably out of the reach of most students and may lead to over-crowding. The proposal includes 44 6-bedroom units. This "dorm"style accommodation is out of keeping with the two existing Deicorp buildings and the area in general, and will unquestionably impact valuations in the area.

Bringing transient students to the area will also create noise and traffic congestion. While the proposal includes communal facilities on-site to support future students, the reality is that they will spill out into the Redfern neighbourhood. Currently there are five boutique bars within a two minute walk of the proposed development. These venues have brought many people to the area late at night and at times the noise on the street has been loud. Students of drinking age will increase patronage of these venues, leading to further noise.

Redfern is currently "coming to life" with developments, at a pace that does not impact the community feel of the neighbourhood. This proposal will bring a large homogenised group of people to the area, with no ties or commitment to the Redfern area.

I object to this proposal.

I am a frequent visitor to the Redfern area and am distressed by the plans for a major development of student housing and the lack of consultation with the community regarding this development. Not only will this development bring a large influx of drinking-age students into the area, there will also be a huge breach of privacy for the residents of surrounding buildings, as the development is breaching several planning laws including ignoring the 18m separation that is required to help maintain privacy between it and the surrounding buildings. This development is not wanted or needed by this community and it should be stopped.

I have recently reviewed the documents sent from Planning and Development NSW regarding the Mixed Use Student Accommodation Development at 60 - 78 Regent Street, Redfern. I would like to express my concern about the proposed development. Currently, the property I own has panoramic views from the eastern suburbs around to Botany Bay. It is light filled in every room . However, the proposed 18 level development will be blocking the views and the sunlight. In this case, we can no longer enjoy the water views and the unit will be lack of natural sunlight.

I have recently reviewed the documents sent from Planning and Development NSW regarding the Mixed Use Student Accommodation Development at 60 - 78 Regent Street, Redfern. I would like to express my concern about the proposed development. Currently, the property I own has panoramic views from the eastern suburbs around to Botany Bay. It is light filled in every room . However, the proposed 18 level development will be blocking the views and the sunlight. In this case, we can no longer enjoy the water views and the unit will be lack of natural sunlight.

Attention: Mr Cameron Sargent
Acting Manager - Key Sites
NSW Government - Department of Planning & Environment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Dear Mr Sargent,

RE: Mixed Use Student Accommodation Development at
60-78 Regent Street, Redfern
Application Number/Reference: SSD 6724

Reference is made to the above mentioned building application.

I am an owner of a unit at 157 Redfern Street, Redfern.

I am writing to you to object to the proposed development for this site. My reasons for this are:

1) Over development of the local area
2) Increased noise and traffic congestion on road surfaces that have not been improved in width to accommodate the current increase in population
3) The negative impact on the value of surrounding properties
4) The unacceptable overshadowing to the surrounding properties and area
5) The use of the building (as student accommodation) is not suitable for the area
6) The lack of access to the proposed development for vehicles, as well as possible issues with access and parking to side laneway
7) No parking in the building - with the proposed 370 residents and no allowance for parking, this is a major issue to the area
8) The design of this structure does not complement the surrounding local area
9) The loss of privacy and visual amenity to the surrounding properties, particularly to the residents in 157 Redfern Street and 7-9 Gibbons Street, Redfern
10) Inadequate prior community consolation
11) The destruction of the Regent Street frontage
12) The violation of existing building separations
13) The lack of need for this style of expensive student housing
14) The influx of drinking age students to the Redfern area

Based on the objections outlined above, the current application should not be approved.

I am absolutely outraged by this delevopment proposal and cannot believe that it is being seriously considered. I hereby note my objections below:

1. Inadequate Prior Community Consolation

2. Destruction of Regent St frontage

3. Violation of existing building seperations

4. Dramatic impact to privacy of 157 Redfern St and 7-9 Gibbons St as well as many other surrounding buildings in Cope St and Regent Street

5. OverShadowing of existing buildings

6. Dramatic impact to value and aesthetics of current developments

7. Parking issues

8. Lack of need for this style of expensive Student housing

9. Influx of drinking age students to the Redfern area

10. Noise pollution

11. I did not recieve an invitation to attend the community information night at Redfern Oval and I live directly opposite this builing. I do not believe anyone esle in my building received notification of this either. I would suggest that the letterbox drop to notify residents was not appropriately managed if I never recived such invitation.

12. The development proposal is in no way a reflection of the heritage of the area which must be a consideration for any new proposal

I cannot see any point to build an 18 STORY BUILDING RIGHT OPPOSITE THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE 'DEICOTA' BUILDING AT 157 REDFERN STREET AND ONLY 13 METRES AWAY. How do you consider the existing residents of Deicota/Urba? Such a narrow space to built a monster building. Imagine there is one in front of your property and you face it day to day. What is your feeling, and quality of your and your family's life? Plus, there are so many student accommodations were built recently and nearly, i.e in Darlington, ST. Michael (city road), and Central Park. And there are so many existing accommodations around (UTS/Uni Syd). No way to get it approved to build another one in Redfern. If they need, let them build in the Campus.

No. No. No!!!