Mixed use development with in-fill affordable housing - 37 Archer Street, Chatswood

The proposed development represents a significant threat to the unique heritage and local character of the neighbourhood. Its imposing height and bulk clash sharply with the surrounding architectural style, and fail to respect the values embodied by nearby heritage-listed homes. The inadequate setbacks and lack of proper transition zones will erode residential privacy and sever the historic cohesion of the area. Such a jarring change to the streetscape risks permanently damaging the cultural fabric of the community.

Moreover, this project places unsustainable pressure on already overburdened infrastructure. Increased traffic and insufficient parking will intensify congestion, while the destruction of more trees and wildlife habitats raises serious environmental concerns. Stormwater and sewer systems are under strain as it is—this development would only compound these issues. A proposal so incompatible with community values and environmental sustainability should not be allowed to proceed.

I object to the above proposed development in Lindfield as follows:

Isolation of Heritage Homes
The development will adversely impact the heritage values and culture of the heritage listed homes nearby the proposed development site.

Impact on Local Character
The height, scale and design of the proposed development are excessive and out of keeping with the surrounding areas.

The setbacks and transition zones are grossly inadequate and reduce the privacy of numerous nearby residences.

Traffic and Parking Concerns
The proposed development will worsen traffic congestion for the area.

Environmental Impact
Additional trees and vital wildlife habitats will be destroyed.

Infrastructure Strain
As current infrastructure including stormwater, sewer, transport system and parking are already strained, the proposed development could cause further problems.

I object to the above proposed development in Lindfield as follows:

Isolation of Heritage Homes
The development will adversely impact the heritage values and culture of the heritage listed homes nearby the proposed development site.

Impact on Local Character
The height, scale and design of the proposed development are excessive and out of keeping with the surrounding areas.

The setbacks and transition zones are grossly inadequate and reduce the privacy of numerous nearby residences.

Traffic and Parking Concerns
The proposed development will worsen traffic congestion for the area.

Environmental Impact
Additional trees and vital wildlife habitats will be destroyed.

Infrastructure Strain
As current infrastructure including stormwater, sewer, transport system and parking are already strained, the proposed development could cause further problems.

I am writing to express my support for the proposed housing development near Chatswood.

With NSW facing a serious housing crisis, we urgently need more well-located, accessible homes. This site is close to transport, shops, and schools—making it ideal for new housing. Chatswood’s strong public transport connections, retail and community infrastructure, and local schools make it a smart and sustainable location for growth.

We must prioritise developments in areas like this to ensure more people—especially key workers, families, and young people—can live affordably near jobs and services.

I urge the department to approve this project and help deliver much-needed housing in a location that supports liveability and long-term sustainability.

As per attachment

Please find the Council submission attached.

My objections are based on the following concerns:

Excessive Building Height and Visual Impact:
The proposed building is significantly taller than the surrounding structures, which are predominantly no more than 8 storeys in height. A 28-storey development would be entirely out of scale with the existing neighbourhood character and would disrupt the visual harmony of the area. I would be more supportive of the project if the height were reduced to a more appropriate scale—ideally in the range of 8 to 10 storeys—to better align with the surrounding built environment.

Traffic and Parking Impacts:
The development includes 125 residential units and 154 car parking spaces, which will substantially increase traffic volume in an already congested area. This is particularly concerning during weekends and public holidays, when traffic is at its peak. The additional pressure on local roads and infrastructure could negatively impact the quality of life for existing residents and exacerbate current traffic issues.

Thank you for notifying Sydney Water of SSD-73277714. Please see the attached response as well as information sheet and growth data form for the applicant. Please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed high-rise development at 37 Archer Street, Chatswood. While I acknowledge the need for urban renewal and affordable housing, I believe this project will have significant negative impacts on the local community, environment, and the unique character of Chatswood. My concerns are outlined below.
1. Excessive Height and Overdevelopment
The proposal seeks to construct a 28-storey tower with 125 apartments, including 28 affordable housing units, and a total gross floor area of approximately 14,230 sqm.
This scale is out of character with the surrounding area, which is predominantly lower-rise residential and heritage conservation zones. The dramatic increase in height and density will overwhelm the local streetscape and set a precedent for further high-rise developments.
2. Strain on Local Infrastructure
The influx of new residents will place additional pressure on already stretched local infrastructure, including roads, public transport, schools, and healthcare facilities.
The development proposes 154 basement car spaces for 125 apartments and commercial tenancies, which is insufficient given the likely number of residents, workers, and visitors. This will exacerbate existing parking shortages and traffic congestion in the area.
3. Loss of Privacy and Amenity
The height and bulk of the building will result in significant overlooking of neighboring properties, leading to a loss of privacy for existing residents.
The development will cast long shadows over adjacent homes and public spaces, reducing sunlight and potentially creating wind tunnel effects that impact pedestrian comfort and safety.
4. Environmental Concerns
The removal of existing buildings and mature trees to accommodate the new tower will reduce local biodiversity and green space.
Increased density may lead to higher levels of noise, litter, and pollution, further diminishing the quality of life for current residents.
5. Incompatibility with Local Character and Heritage
The site is positioned on the border of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area. The proposed tower is out of scale with the established built environment and risks eroding the unique character and heritage of Chatswood.
The architectural style and bulk of the building are not in harmony with the surrounding Federation and heritage homes, potentially becoming an eyesore in the future.
6. Precedent for Further High-Rise Development
Approving this project could set a dangerous precedent for more high-rise developments in the area, leading to cumulative negative impacts on the community and further loss of Chatswood’s distinctive character.
7. Questionable Use of Planning Controls
The significant increase in height and density appears to be justified primarily by affordable housing provisions. However, there is concern that these provisions may not deliver genuine long-term community benefit but rather serve developer interests.
8. Community Opposition
Previous high-rise proposals in Chatswood have received numerous objections from local residents, reflecting widespread community concern about overdevelopment, loss of amenity, and the erosion of neighborhood character.
In summary, the proposed high-rise at 37 Archer Street will have far-reaching negative consequences for Chatswood’s residents, environment, and character. I urge the State Government to reject this proposal and instead support development that is sustainable, community-focused, and respectful of the area’s unique qualities.
Thank you for considering my submission.

As the residence in the nearby area, the 28 Storey building is too high and will have the privacy concerns as current residences. Even there are several apartment buildings but their height are less than 10 storey buildings.
Secondly, the infrastructure concern, the building will attract more cars and traffics. In the current environment, the interaction of Albert Ave and Archer St always have heavy traffic during the afternoon time from 2:30. Suituations also get worse during the weekend from 11am to 3:30pm. The current car parks in both Westfield and Chatswood Chase cannot provide a sustainable space/time, the proposed development will attract more traffic but create more possibility of residence.
Future infrastructure issues covering education and medical fields that cannot provide services enough for the extra population of the additional residential apartments.
Thanks for your attention.

Hello
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of infill affordable housing in Chatswood. While I understand the intention to provide additional housing options, I have significant concerns regarding the impact this development may have on the community.

My primary concern is the potential increase in social issues such as crime and delinquency, which I believe could be associated with high-density affordable housing, especially if adequate measures are not in place to manage and support the residents. Having recently moved to Chatswood to escape the problems often linked to low-income housing areas, I am concerned that such developments may undermine the safety and quality of life in our community.

Furthermore, I am worried about the strain on local infrastructure, public services, and the overall character of the neighborhood. I believe that any development should be carefully planned to ensure it benefits the community without compromising its safety and livability.

I kindly request that the Planning Department considers these concerns carefully before approving the proposed development.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Regards,
Tracey

Hello
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of infill affordable housing in Chatswood. While I understand the intention to provide additional housing options, I have significant concerns regarding the impact this development may have on the community.

My primary concern is the potential increase in social issues such as crime and delinquency, which I believe could be associated with high-density affordable housing, especially if adequate measures are not in place to manage and support the residents. Having recently moved to Chatswood to escape the problems often linked to low-income housing areas, I am concerned that such developments may undermine the safety and quality of life in our community.

Furthermore, I am worried about the strain on local infrastructure, public services, and the overall character of the neighborhood. I believe that any development should be carefully planned to ensure it benefits the community without compromising its safety and livability.

I kindly request that the Planning Department considers these concerns carefully before approving the proposed development.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

To whom it may concern,

This submission formally objects to the proposed State Significant Development (SSD) application SSD-732777714 for 37 Archer Street, Chatswood on the following grounds:

Inaccurate Land Ownership Representation
The proposal describes the site as a "consolidated parcel of land" under full control of the applicant, despite the continued existence of privately owned strata lots within SP38065 that have neither been sold nor provided consent for redevelopment.

Lack of Owner Consent as Required by Law
The application fails to include the written consent of all lot owners as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021. Redevelopment of a strata scheme without unanimous agreement is not legally permissible without formal proceedings under the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015.

Demolition and Construction Infeasibility
The proposal involves full demolition of existing structures but does not disclose how this will be lawfully executed while not all dwellings are under the applicant's ownership or vacant possession. This raises serious concerns regarding feasibility and legality.

Failure to Identify Residual Occupants in the EIS
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) omits any recognition or assessment of the remaining strata owners or residents who have not agreed to the project. This is a material omission that compromises transparency and regulatory integrity.

Procedural Concerns and Community Notification
There is no evidence of meaningful consultation with all affected stakeholders prior to submission. The application appears to have progressed without engaging the entirety of the strata community, contrary to best practice in planning and the participatory intent of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Premature Promotion Risk
The project has reportedly been marketed to the public prior to obtaining valid development consent or full land acquisition. Such actions may mislead consumers and investors and may breach fair trading or advertising regulations.

Public Interest Risk
Proceeding with a development based on flawed land ownership representation and absence of required owner consent undermines trust in the statutory planning process and may render the application subject to legal challenge for non-compliance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 and the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015.

Remedies Requested：

1. Request a suspension of the assessment process
Given the serious issues of inaccurate land ownership representation, procedural flaws, and lack of required owner consent, it is requested that the assessment process be suspended until all legal requirements are met.

2. Request submission of legally valid documentation, including written consent from all owners
Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, such an application requires written consent from all strata lot owners. It is requested that the developer be required to submit these documents before any further assessment.

3. Request amendment of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address omissions regarding remaining residents and impacts
The current EIS fails to acknowledge or assess the impact on existing non-consenting residents. It is requested that the EIS be amended accordingly and re-exhibited for public consultation.

4. Request independent review of the land ownership structure and the claim of "full control"
The application claims full control over the site, despite the presence of an unsold lot. It is requested that an independent investigation be undertaken to verify the factual accuracy of the land consolidation.

5. If misleading or false information is found, request legal accountability and public disclosure
If the application contains deliberately misleading statements, legal accountability should be pursued, and findings disclosed publicly to ensure integrity in the planning process.

The development is out of proportion to the other residential residences in this part of Archer Street including the unit blocks directly opposite. There is no call for commercial use and ground floor retail in this part of a beautiful heritage suburb. By all means develop central Chatswood further but don’t destroy the residential character of the rest of the suburb with inappropriate high rise.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to lodge an objection in representation of residents on Level 22 (around ~40 residents) to the proposed development of SSD-73277714 due to overdevelopment, and I urge Council to reject it in its entirety, due to the following reasons:
1. Excessive Building Height
The proposed height is incompatible with the surrounding streetscape and will block sunlight to nearby homes and plunge neighbouring properties into permanent shadow. It will unnecessarily block any remaining views.
2. Strained Infrastructure
The current Chatswood infrastructure is already at breaking point. Local footpaths and roads are congested, and there’s already a waitlist for schools, childcare centres, and medical services. This development will add to the additional overload.
3. Traffic Congestion
This development will dump hundreds more cars onto already gridlocked streets. Peak hour mornings and school pick up are already unbearable.
4. Pressure on Public Transport
There is insufficient public transport to support this many new residents. Buses are full and don’t stop now, metro and trains are overcrowded, and there are no new services or more frequent services planned. Residents may be forced into cars, compounding the congestion crisis.
5. Noise Pollution and Loss of Amenity
Increased noise, light pollution, environmental impact and construction disruption may erode our amenity facilities.
6. Precedent for Overdevelopment
If this is approved, it sets a dangerous precedent. Another tower or higher density rezoning. This development benefits developers, not residents.

Appreciate you considering our submission and protecting the community you represent by rejecting this proposal.

This project must be approved in order to provide more affordable housing options for people within Sydney. Without more affordable housing options, people, particularly young people, will be priced out of Sydney, reducing our future tax base, which is a major concern especially considering our aging population. As a result, it is imperative to allow development in well located areas such as Chatswood. Despite this project being tall, and 'out of character' with the nearby low density development, this project must be approved. Concerns about the impact of this proposal on traffic are unfounded given many businesses are within walking distance and that Chatswood has amazing public transport.
The applicant should consider reducing the provision of car parking as it will reduce the cost of development, which would make the apartments more affordable and align closer to the government objectives to provide more affordable housing.

Too high for 28 stories, the Willoughby council’s 16 levels is high enough, otherwise cause a big trouble like traffic jams noise parking public spaces already very crowded. Against

28 levels are too high , pls look around , all the buildings are under 10 levels, it will bring too much traffic around cba of Chatswood and around as well. Willoughby council’s 16 levels are enough !

looks great, we definitely need more housing like this in Sydney.

Tragic how much floor space for homes was lost with the upper setback.