Darling Square - South East Plot Development

1. Bulk of the built form

In the proponent's responses to objections to the Darling Square concept proposal (SSD5878), we were assured that the building envelopes would be not completely filled, thereby providing ample space between the buildings - as well as view sharing with existing buildings - so that the latter would not be completely disadvantaged. However, the western facade of the building on the SE plot will be flush with the boulevard and not recessed back from the podium at all. The building on the SW plot, which will also be flush with the boulevard, has balconies on the eastern side which will look straight at the solid built form of the SE plot. Privacy and aesthetics have been compromised and view sharing is a joke. I estimate that instead of a beautiful view of Darling Harbour, I will be able to see - through the boulevard - a few trees and greenery and the roof of the Maritime Museum! The residents of The Peak have truly been sold down the river in this development.

2. Solar access

Only 47% of apartments in the building on the SE Plot will receive 2 hours or more of sunlight between 9am and 3pm. This is well below the guidelines of 70% set down by the Apartment Design Code and the RFDC and seems to be completely unacceptable. It bears out the belief of a number of organisations, including City of Sydney, that only 3 towers should be built on the site and that the site is being grossly overdeveloped. The proponent is likely to argue that almost everyone who lives in this development will work in the city and not be home in daylight hours. This is patently untrue as more and more families with small children and older people downsizing to apartments are already or hoping to live in the city and expect to be able to buy habitable apartments that are comfortable to live in at all hours of the day.

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