Indigo By Moran - 156 Ocean Street Narrabeen

I wish to formally object to the proposed development on the grounds that it is inconsistent with the established character, outlook, and amenity of the surrounding community. The scale and nature of the proposal are not in keeping with the existing local environment and would place additional pressure on already limited parking availability and inadequate road infrastructure.

The area currently experiences significant traffic congestion, and the proposed development would exacerbate these issues, creating further safety risks for residents—particularly young families and children who use the surrounding streets and public spaces. The increased vehicle movement and reduced road safety would have a detrimental impact on the community’s quality of life and general wellbeing.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Council refuse this application in its current form.

To whom it may concern,
The above proposal is a bad design and if it goes ahead it sets a dangerous precedent for the beaches with more and possibly bigger buildings.
Ocean st and lagoon street are already busy enough without adding more traffic.

Refer attached Objection

I am a resident of Narrabeen living directly opposite the proposed development. I wish to make clear - I am not opposed to development, and am welcoming of a plan to redevelop the space into an area that will accomodate more seniors. I am opposed to OVER-development of the site, which the current plans clearly represent.

Primary Concern (Overdevelopment/ Developmental Non-Compliance & Secondary Environmental Impacts): The proposal significantly exceeds the intended scale of the R2 Low Density Residential zone under the Northern Beaches LEP 2011 with its 21.5m height. This represents a blatant disregard for the zoning which has been deliberately set in place for this area. This issue of scale also carries with it significant environmental risk, with the site sitting within a mapped Coastal Environment and Coastal Vulnerability area under the Coastal SEPP 2018; such that the proposed excavation over 11m poses flooding, groundwater and structural risks (with flooding of course already being a significant concern in the suburb of Narrabeen, and with there being negligible mitigators for this on Ocean St including few stormwater drains).

Beyond this concern regarding the project itself, I note that the lack of any meaningful consultation pre-lodgement, the brief public exhibition period, and the absence of an Independent Design Review Panel all represent additional issues with the broader proposal, and the lack of community consideration.

Again - I am not opposed to development, and in fact welcome this on the site. I am asking the NSW Government to please take a reasonable view on the matter, and ensure that a development in an almost entirely residential area does not grossly dwarf all existing properties and indeed the natural environment. Please help us. Thank you for your consideration.

One of the best parts of the northern beaches is how it’s not built up and over-developed like other parts of Sydney. This is in particular for the northern suburbs like Narrabeen. Dee Why has been overcrowded and ruined by apartment buildings and we don’t want that to happen to other suburbs. We want to keep the northern beaches beautiful, open and quiet. 5-6 story high buildings are not what Narrabeen or the northern suburbs of the beaches need.

To whom it may concern,

Who would enjoy spending millions of dollars on a residential property one day and the next a six storey building is built over the back fence? Doesn't sound like much fun. The shear size, scale, and height of the proposed development is overbearing and not inline with the current neighbourhood and streetscape.
The removal of mature vegetation to allow for a development of this size will create an inconsistent visual and will represent a significant environmental loss.
The strain on traffic and parking with 149 units plus care suites will catastophic. The area is already struggling.
The proposed site sits in a valued coastal village location wherein views to the headlands and through the neighbourhood are a part of the local identity. Several local residents and the ward councillor have expressed concern that the development will dominate the skyline and obscure key vista points.
While I recognise the need for quality housing options for older Australians, this proposal in its current form fails to properly respect the character, environment, infrastructure capacity and community aspirations for the Narrabeen peninsula. I urge the Department to take the concerns of the local community seriously and act to ensure that any redevelopment is appropriately scaled, context-sensitive and genuinely in the public interest.
Regards,
Oliver Iaccarino

To: The Secretary, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI)
From: Cathy Adams
Date: 4th November 2025

As a resident of Narrabeen my entire life, I strongly object the Indigo by Moran development at 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen.

The proposed building height, bulk and density are excessive for this sensitive coastal environment and do not comply with local planning provisions or the intended character of the area.

The development is dramatically out of scale with the surrounding low- to mid-density residential area. The six-storey height and large footprint will dominate the streetscape, overshadow neighbouring properties and fundamentally change the suburban character of the neighbourhood.

There are serious practical concerns, especially relating to traffic and safety. The increased population density associated with this development will place further strain on an already congested local road network, creating heightened risks for all road users, including school children, pedestrians and cyclists who regularly navigate these streets.

In conclusion, while seniors housing is an important need, the scale and intensity of this proposal are incompatible with the suburb’s character, will worsen traffic and safety and impact neighbouring amenity. I urge Council to refuse or substantially amend the proposal.

Thank you for considering this submission.

Yours sincerely

Cathy Adams

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development at 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen which I believe is entirely out of character with the established nature of the surrounding area and will have a significant negative impact on the local community.
The proposed building’s scale, bulk, and height are grossly disproportionate to the existing residential character of the neighbourhood.
This development would:
- Visually overwhelm the surrounding properties, casting extensive shadows and reducing natural light and privacy for existing residents.
- Set a precedent for future overdevelopment
- Increase traffic and parking pressures which are already at capacity and not designed to support such density.
I urge the NSW Government to refuse this application and instead seek a design more compatible with the surrounding built form—one that respects the existing scale, character, and amenity of the neighbourhood.
Thankyou.
Shamus

As property owner of a house in Narrabeen I object to the proposed development at 156-164 Ocean Street Narrabeen (SSD-76220734).
Developer Indigo by Moran has not designed a building that fits the community of Narrabeen. The height and immense size of a six storey building significantly exceeds the expectations and is completely out of scale and character with Narrabeen’s low rise look, feel and charm.
Main concerns:
o Visual obstruction and overdevelopment
o Removal of mature native pine trees
o Traffic and safety risks
o Lack of genuine community consultation
o Aboriginal heritage sensitivity
The scale of the development is grossly oversized given the nature of the surrounding homes and community. The height of the building will be an eyesore and not fit in with our local planning. It is grossly out of space, not remotely in keeping with the local area.
It would block visually other residents, It is an undeniable overdevelopment of the area with arrogant disregard for the community and disdain for generations before us who recognised something special and worked together to protect and preserve it.
The proposed removal of so many mature trees is obscene and will destroy the relaxed beachside village atmosphere.
It would also negatively impact the daily traffic and parking with the lack of realistic proposal.
I, resident of Narrrabeen, urge local decision-makers and relevant authorities to rethink this proposal, ensuring that any development aligns with the town's environmental sustainability, heritage appreciation, and community consensus.

Kind Regards,

Local Resident Narrabeen

Overdevelopment, traffic and safety hazards, visual intrusion & overshadowing, no local benefit

Please see detailed submission attached.

The project will worsen traffic in an already congested area, increase flood risk in a known flood zone, and is out of character with Narrabeen’s established landscape. The removal of native pine trees will also disrupt local ecosystems and harm wildlife habitats, showing a disregard for environmental preservation. The approval of this project would set an undesirable precedent for further inappropriate development that would permanently alter the area’s character and community.

A six-story block is not an acceptable project in an area with such low rise, low density buildings.
This would deface the neighbourhood and increase the already high average age in the community, for the sole benefit of maximising the project developer’s profits.
Narrabeen is not Dee Why and has not been approved for high density housing such as Mona Vale.

I wish to voice my strong objection to the proposed Indigo by Moran development at 156-164 Ocean St Narrabeen.
Firstly let me state that a 2 week notice period for comments is farcically short for a development of this size (with 42 supporting documents) and the impact it would have on the local community and environment. Particularly as there has been no previous meaningful engagement with the immediate Narrabeen community.

The primary issue I have is the proposed building to be at a maximum height of 21.1m vs the LEP permitted height of 8.5m. This is not just slightly above this is nearly 250% of the current height limit. The design whilst aesthetically appealing is simply too high. It imposes greater building bulk on surrounding community to the benefit of potential buyers (and the developer). The developer and designers have prioritised the provision of units with views ( and the commensurate sale value) rather than a design sympathetic to the surroundings.

The Visual Impact Statement specifically says the development “ lies within a landscape characterised by low-medium density housing” to then go on to state “ It is unlikely to disrupt key landscape features or become a prominent element in the landscape”. At 21.1m it will not only be prominent but dominate from many vantage points. As the 6 storeys is far above the height of the adjacent buildings and higher than any in the peninsula. The fact that the building will be higher in some areas than the Norfolk pines surrounding is almost impossible to get my head around. These trees are landmarks prominent from quite a distance so the bulk of this proposal is difficult to overstate.
The VIS has numerous photo montages that give a very misleading perspective of the impact. Wideangle camera shots diminish the likely visual impact.



From the Community Engagement Report there was one scheduled community meeting. This was a marketing presentation dressed up as a consultation session, where no information on the potential development scale was aired or questions of the likely form answered. From the questionnaire referred to in the document “Many mentioned the importance of keeping the development low in scale, so it blends into the local environment”. Clearly what little feedback was received was summarily disregarded.
More focus was given to the requirements of those who may purchase. Just because there is demand to buy does not mean it should be built to the detriment of the neighbouring community.
The likelihood that 178 resident car spaces will be sufficient is optimistic to the point of fantasy. At the prices being discussed for the apartments and the demographic able to afford there will be a considerable number of units requiring two cars. Particularly considering the likelihood that there will be many units with more than 2 occupants (2 and 3 bedroom apartments with adult children). Conservatively 75% will be 2 car (or more) households and therefore about 40-50 car spots too few. Also 7 visitor parks will be nowhere near enough. This will put additional strain on the limited street parking already existing.
This from Octavia street in normal day.

As can be seen Octavia street is not wide enough for 2 cars to pass so the increased traffic here will mean more cars queuing up through roundabouts on Ocean St and Lagoon St

Narrabeen peninsula is restricted to 2 main entry exit points (Ocean st south and north) and the increase in traffic from such a scale development will be substantial

From the Urban Design Assessment, “Building layout should be designed to optimise privacy for occupants of the development and occupants of adjoining properties” This it does not do. The substantial proposed height affords the inhabitants of upper floors of the development unrestricted sight into the otherwise private areas of adjoining and nearby dwellings.

6 story development does not fit in with aesthetic appeal of area. Council does not allow more than 2 story development in area for over 20 years this development shouldn't be exempt. Northern Beach Council development control plan does not allow developments of this scale, this should not be overruled. The location is a sand island, geology of land does not support this scale of development. Development would impact local wildlife. Already too much traffic on Ocean St. Will require removal of heritage listed nonfolk island pines. Underground carparks would flood on regular basis. Plenty of other land in Sydney area fit for development of this type. Would create shade for other residence and fauna and flora. The list goes on and on...............

As a neighbour of the property I am writing in support of the project. There are no quality retirement villages that also provide a genuine continuum of care on the northern beaches. This means seniors are living in houses that are not suitable for them resulting in early entry into Aged Care (which are also in short supply on the Northern Beaches!). At the same time, this project will free up 149 houses on the Northern Beaches for families with children that desperately need them. This development has been thoughtfully designed with appropriate sized apartments for seniors buyers moving from large houses. The facade of building at 4 levels plus ground floor is broken up by the colour scheme and other design features which together with the Norfolk Pines cleverly conceal the height and the size of the building. The rooftop garden with its pavilion is set well back from the edge of the building and therefore is not visible from the street, but provides important common space for the residents to enjoy. I hope that this is the first of many high quality retirement living communities that allow our elderly to remain on the Northern Beaches, age with grace and dignity while also allowing young families to remain on the northern beaches close to their families.

I, the undersigned resident, oppose the proposed oceanfront development that includes no setback from the shoreline, as it is entirely out of scale with Narrabeen’s low-rise character. This development would not only block treasured coastal views but also lead to the removal of established trees that are essential to the natural beauty and ecological health of our foreshore. I urge the planning authorities to reconsider and insist on a design that respects Narrabeen’s established, low-rise coastal character, preserves public view corridors, and safeguards our mature trees. Our coastline’s unique charm and community character must take precedence over inappropriate, oversized development.

I have lived in Narrabeen since 1989 and the Northern Beaches LGA since 1972. I owned a property opposite 156 Ocean St in 66 Lagoon St Narrabeen for 17 years. I have seen and experienced many changes in that time. The population has increased dramatically along the Ocean St peninsular in that time from single story dwellings to 3 story flats but nothing over that height limit.

The resultant congestion on roads, shopping centres, parks and beaches has reduces the quality of life in our suburb. Our roads remain the same and are now in bad repair and not fit for purpose due to flooding, potholes and extreme traffic congestion. Adding more than 192 car spaces and 149 independent living units will contribute to this congestion.

The Northern Beaches LGA has more senior living facilities than most other LGAs. I consider the residents have more than pulled their weight with increasing density over these years.

The geography of the area, a peninsula of land comprising mainly sand dunes is unsuitable for the height and bulk of the proposed development let alone the excavation to accommodate 3 levels of underground parking which would be subject to inundation as this part of the peninsula is low lying.

The existing parking facilities on Ocean and Lagoon streets during summer is exhausted now. The proposed development does not provide enough visitor parking. The local Woolworths is not a major store and parking at the local shops and Post Office is difficult to obtain now. With an increase of this amount of residents and also no banking facilities, the suburb is at capacity.

The increased vehicle movements by 149 independent living units will create unusual noise and
Vehicle emissions to those currently or previously experienced by the previous retirement / care home. The ambience of the area is one of calm and natural beauty with manly pine trees, palms and eucalypts attracting birds.

This peninsula has been limited to 3 stories and should remain so to keep the atmosphere and natural beach and lakeside setting. To have an edifice of this magnitude towering over the surrounding homes is a disruption to the ambience of the area that all residents love and respect.

The precedent of the height of the proposed development could, if approved, could result in our suburb resembling the Gold Coast or Dee Why with shadowing of neighbours in adjoining streets and destroying the tropical nature of the strip. I do not want to see a building higher than the pines or palm trees.
The low scale of the existing buildings and surrounding gardens compliment the area any any new development should coalesce with its surrounds.

I have loved living in Narrabeen with its proximity to the sea, lake, National parks, Pittwater and Middle Harbour. Please do not allow this development to proceed. It should not be of State Significance as it offends our suburb with its scale, height and bulk and unattractive architectural design. I think the only sig ificance in the development application is its hideous appearance, not a quality desirable in planning.

per attached letter

A six story development is not in keeping with the streetscape which has been created in the Ocean/Lagoon St precinct by local and state government policy over the last 50yrs. This policy was inforced due to the unique nature of this sand spit peninsula.
There are many more local locations where a 6 storey development would be more suitably located.
A 3 storey developer would be far more appropriate for this location.
Regards