Indigo By Moran - 156 Ocean Street Narrabeen

149 apartments conservatively priced between $2.5 million and $3 million totalling $372,500,000 to $447,000,000. This is a disgraceful money grab that completely disregards environmental concerns on every level. Parking concerns flowing from additional motor vehicles has not been addressed. I understand that there is provision only for 7 or so visitor's parking within the complex . Let's assume logically that , at any given time , there would be over 100 visitors at any one time.... after all it is a proposed aged care residence and friends and relatives visit .as a matter of love or responsibility or caring. The other vehicles need somewhere to park and the streets surrounding the development are the only alternatives. If you know anything of the area you would realise that is an impossibility. Ocean St is busy all day, everyday with parking spots a rarity and the same applies to Loftus, Lagoon and Octavia Streets. Ocean St is overused as an alternative to Pittwater Rd and the traffic is relentless along that stretch. This is not a place to even consider building such a development which MUST have such a huge impact on roads and parking in what is already an overcrowded scenario.
Visually such a radical change to the landscape would be an environmental catastrophe and an eye sore for all local residents and rate payers. For years the State Governments have embraced a "top-up" philosophy in relation to building development. If a six storey development is allowed, I ask rhetorically how long will it be before every building along this stretch is allowed to become that height.
Please realise that this proposal is a bridge too far. It is the wrong place and the entire nature of the surrounding community would suffer as a result.
A drive along Ocean St ( or any of the adjoining streets ) at any time of day should be evidence enough to convince any logical decision maker that this proposal is simply too much on any reasoned level of thinking.
And for someone to profit so disproportionally by ruining a neighbourhood is immoral on any level.

Does it really make sense to be approving major developments on low lying sand spits between the ocean and a major lake when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the USA states that under current government policies internationally we are on track double the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere by 2100 resulting in 2.7 degrees of warming and sea level rise of between 2 and 3 metres.
This means that by the turn if the century (in just 75 years), this development will be under water and owners will be suing the state government for negligence.
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide#:~:text=If%20global%20energy%20demand%20continues%20to%20grow,Earth%20for%20close%20to%2050%20million%20years.
Rather than approving new developments in these areas we should be planning how we will retreat from them.
I look forward to hearing how you anyone can justify this type of development and how they will mitigate rising levels.

There are limited options for the aging generation on the Northern Beaches, especially close to the beach and public transport.
This project assists older residents to right-size locally, by :
- Supports ageing in place within familiar communities
- Frees up family homes for the next generation
- Strengthens local social connection and wellbeing
I understand the concern over how many levels the development is and the impact on street scape - If need be, negotiate on the height restriction.

The proposed 6-story build is significantly taller than neighboring builds. This will result in a loss of privacy through overlooking and overshadowing that blocks natural light of surrounding residential homes. There is also already a significant shortage of parking in the surrounding streets which will be made worse by the high-rise build.

Councils duty of care for our current residents and future planning of Narrabeen is not at all reflected or considered, if this project is passed for completion. I request the 3 level building restriction remain in place along Ocean Street so we can accommodate and sustain the area from being over run.

The development represents a significant over development of the site. It will have an adverse effect on the residential amenity of the area, cause significant overshadowing and loss of privacy for adjoining residences and have a detrimental impact on the local traffic situation. The development is not close to any major public transport hub. The proposed six storey development is significantly higher than any adjoining residential developments and the bulk and scale will be completely incompatible with the existing residential character of the Narrabeen Peninsula.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Subject: Objection to State Significant Development Application SSD-76220734 – Indigo By Moran, 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen

Dear Minister/Secretary,

I write as a concerned resident of a nearby street in Narrabeen to formally object to the State Significant Development Application (SSD-76220734) for Seniors Housing at 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen. I urge the Department to reject the proposal or require significant amendments, as the development fails to satisfy key merit considerations under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) and poses detrimental local impacts.

My primary objections are detailed below, framed against the assessment criteria set out in Section 4.15 of the EPA Act, which requires the consent authority to consider the likely impacts of the development and the suitability of the site.

1. Inconsistency with Local Character and Amenity (EPA Act Objects & Section 4.15(1)(b))

The development, in its current form, is not aligned with the established built form and desired future character of the Narrabeen suburb and surrounding local streets.

The Objects of the EPA Act (specifically Section 1.3) include promoting the good design and amenity of the built environment. As a neighbour, I believe the scale, bulk, and potential design of this proposal is excessive and inconsistent with the prevailing residential density and building typology in the area. Such a significant non-alignment represents a failure to uphold the requirement to consider the "likely impacts... including environmental impacts on... the built environments" under Section 4.15(1)(b). Approving a development that dramatically contrasts with the neighbourhood risks setting a negative planning precedent that diminishes the established local character and amenity.

2. Detrimental Impact on Local Parking and Traffic Congestion (Section 4.15(1)(b))

I am deeply concerned about the negative impacts the finished development will have on local parking and traffic flow, which must be assessed as "social and economic impacts in the locality" under Section 4.15(1)(b).

While the proposed seniors housing may meet minimum parking standards, the intense use proposed for the site will inevitably displace the limited current on-street parking relied upon by existing residents and visitors. Narrabeen already experiences significant parking pressures due to its proximity to the beach and local services. The addition of substantial new residential units, even for seniors, will generate visitor, staff, and service vehicle traffic that will directly compete for scarce street parking, resulting in widespread negative amenity impacts for the existing community. The proposed 7 visitor and 3 staff spaces for a development of this scale are unacceptable. 

Furthermore, the increased traffic movements associated with staff changes, deliveries, and visitors must be thoroughly reviewed for its cumulative impact on congestion in the surrounding area.

From the Traffic Impact Assessment, it is proposed that there will be some mitigation of traffic by residents cycling. This is an over-60’s development. A 2019 Australian Cycling Participation survey from 2019 showed 9% of men over 50 and 3.6% of women over 50 road once per week (https://austroads.gov.au/latest-news/3.43-million-australians-ride-bikes-for-transport-or-recreation-each-week#:~:text=Cycling%20rates%20for%20both%20men%20and%20women,2.6%25%20in%202017%20to%203.6%25%20in%202019.) Based on this data and taking account of the development being for over-60’s, it seems not genuine to suggest cycling would have any meaningful impact on local parking and traffic congestion. 

3. Public Safety Risks for Pedestrians and Cyclists (Section 4.15(1)(b) and (e))

My most serious concern relates to the safety of local children, particularly those who use bicycles to navigate local streets. Increased vehicle movements on local feeder streets, caused by the concentration of traffic from this development, will significantly elevate the risk of accidents.

The consideration of the "likely impacts" under Section 4.15(1)(b) and the public interest (Section 4.15(1)(e)) must take into account the safety of vulnerable road users. The Traffic Impact Assessment fails to adequately demonstrate that the surrounding streets can safely accommodate this significant increase in daily vehicle trips without compromising community safety, the proposal should be deemed contrary to the public interest. Pushing both construction and resident traffic onto Lagoon Street is irresponsible. With morning and afternoon school traffic (car, pedestrian, children cycling) from St Joseph’s public school on Lagoon street and with the only access to Woolworths being via Wellington street, this risks dangerous traffic conditions, without any meaningul mitigation safety strategies in place.

Conclusion

I respectfully request that the Department carefully consider these substantial grounds for objection against the statutory requirements of the EPA Act. The proposed development compromises local character, exacerbates existing infrastructure pressures regarding parking and traffic, and introduces unacceptable safety risks to the community.

I look forward to the Department’s acknowledgment of these concerns and confirmation that they will be fully considered during the determination process.

Sincerely,
Local Resident

SSD Application Number: SSD-76220734
Development Name: Indigo By Moran - 156 Ocean Street Narrabeen

Wonderful project for residents aged 60+ to stay local to families and free up larger homes for the next generation.

Proposed building is too high for the Narrabeen area.

I strongly oppose the proposal to allow high-rise apartment buildings in Narrabeen. The character and charm of our community are defined by its coastal village atmosphere, natural beauty, and low-rise landscape. Introducing high-rise developments would permanently alter this unique identity, creating visual pollution and overshadowing the beach, lagoon, and surrounding homes.

Narrabeen’s infrastructure—roads, parking, and public transport—is already under significant strain. High-density housing would intensify congestion, reduce parking availability, and place additional pressure on local schools, parks, and essential services. Moreover, the increased population density would threaten the delicate coastal and lagoon ecosystems, which are already vulnerable to pollution and erosion. Please don't open the floodgates for high rise high density building in Narrabeen. This project should fit in with the existing charm of the area, not set an example for future monstrosities.

I support the Indigo by Moran proposal because it provides much-needed retirement housing in the Northern Beaches. It allows older residents to downsize locally, stay connected to their community, and improves housing availability for younger families. The developer’s commitment to social outcomes and quality design makes this a responsible and beneficial project for the area.

I strongly object to the proposed development at 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen, for the following reasons:

1. Excessive Scale and Height
The proposed six-storey building is completely out of character with the existing coastal environment and surrounding low-rise structures. At 21.5 metres high and spanning multiple streets, it will dominate the local landscape and negatively impact the visual amenity of the area.

2. No Local Benefit
This development offers no affordable housing or meaningful community benefit. It is a luxury seniors living complex targeting the over-60s market, with apartments priced from around $3 million, which does not address local housing needs.


3. Traffic and Parking Impacts
The proposal includes 149 apartments and will introduce approximately 300 additional vehicles into the area. This will overwhelm existing parking and traffic capacity, particularly on Ocean, Loftus, Lagoon, and Octavia Streets, which are already under pressure. Addiitonally the increase in traffic through this already limited area being a peninusula will pose safety risks to the children of the many families that live in this area.

4. Environmental and Coastal Risks
The site is located within a flood and coastal risk zone, making it unsuitable for such a large-scale development. Removal of mature trees and vegetation will further destabilize the coastal environment and increase erosion risk.

5. Ecological Impact
The development threatens fragile dune systems and bird habitats, including species such as oystercatchers and kookaburras. These ecosystems are vital to the health of Narrabeen’s coastal environment.

6. Community Consultation
There has been no genuine consultation with the local community. Residents deserve a say in developments that will significantly alter the character and livability of their neighborhood.

For these reasons, I urge the State Government to reject this proposal and protect the unique coastal character and environmental integrity of Narrabeen.

I strongly object to building such a large multi Storey development in North Narrabeen. The traffic around Ocean Street is bad enough. If you add a six or more story building it is going to be absolutely ridiculous. I strongly object.

I object to this project as it is way out of developments in the surrounding area, it will tower above the suburb and cause a massive impact on traffic flow in an already very busy area. It will further impact the environment of the surrounding beach area.

This is not a development for the community’s best interests, it is a development for the profits of the developer.

As a lifelong member of the 2101 community, I am writing to express my strong opposition to this project which is out of character with the local community and I believe will have a detrimental impact on our local area.
The proposed development is simply too large for our area. As some of the local opposition notices say- this is Narrabeen NOT Dee Why. There is a height restriction of the existing houses and units which gives a sense of openness and enhances the local environment. The proposed development to be located on Lagoon, Ocean and Octavia Streets is out of character with the surrounding housing. Those streets do not have 5/6 storey unit blocks. It is uncharacteristic for those streets. My concerns relate not only to the aesthetics of the site but the increase in population density would lead to increased traffic congestion and have a detrimental impact on the surrounding houses/units.
If this development is approved it will set a precedent for future higher rise/multi-storey developments and will change the face of Narrabeen.
I strongly urge you to reconsider this proposed housing development.
Kind regards
Vanessa Cheeseman

I live in the street and the current traffic conditions are not only busy but are dangerous for the amount of families and children with the increased traffic flow.
This type of development is too high for the area and will detract from the current buildings
It should be no more than 3 levels high.

I object to the project with the current proposed design for concerns stated in my letter.

I have serious concerns about the lack of appropriate time frames for consulting the residents and the lack of detailed consideration of the environmental and psychological consequences of the project.

I believe the locals are happy with the project to proceed but the size of the project is far too excessive. Three levels would be acceptable but SIX is just over the top. It is a busy area already and car parking is an issue. It would be wrong to push for the current development size to proceed with the impact on the local area.

Dear Sir/Madam,
Please find attached my objections to this development.
Kind Regards,
Donna Hall