Mixed-use-development-infill-affordable-housing-378-pacific-highway

I object to the scale of the project proposed for 378 Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest (SSD-70617459).
I think the development is too high at 31 stories as I believe all towers along the highway should be limited to a maximum of 15 stories to minimise the effect of overshadowing and stop them from creating a dark wind tunnel as is happening at St Leonards. This could then transition down from the highway to River Road where the area has been rezoned to between 6 and 12 storeys. I understood originally this was a transition zone but going from 30-40 storeys on the highway to 12 storeys a block back from the highway doesn't achieve that. These buildings will create a giant wall down the middle of our suburb and threaten the character of the area. I feel Wollstonecraft is already punching above its weight for density and am not objecting to further development but keep it in scale so it complements and not destroys the neighbourhood.
Access to these proposed buildings will involve more traffic congestion (which is already happening at Oxley Street) and I anticipate that Nicholson Street and Hume Street will be used even more as a 'rat run' and a much overused access point creating even more congestion.
Part of this site would be better used to create a portal into the new Metro with a pedestrian tunnel under the highway – possibly in the 4-storey commercial podium. A tunnel would improve safety for the residents on the Wollstonecraft side of the Pacific Highway – I have lost count of the number of people I've seen risking their life by running across the highway against the lights as they get too impatient waiting for them to change. With even more apartments slated for this area it would be a vital and safer link.
Above this you could build apartments (especially if it includes social as well as affordable housing) but not to the height proposed.
There appears to be no setback or much-needed green space around the building (something that seems to be shrinking with each new development) and it really shows no architectural merit – another cookie-cutter, characterless 'box' of a building. Surely our town planners and architects can do better.
I had previously hoped that the residents may have a say on how our suburb evolves but it seems that only the developers voice is heard by our government. A very sad reflection on democracy and the future of the Crows Nest and its environs.

2/27 Christie Street
Wollstonecraft NSW 2065
M: 0449 904 482

4 December 2024

Attention: Stephen Dobbs
Planner
NSW State Government

Re: Mixed-use development infill affordable housing 378-Pacific
Highway


Dear Stephen,
I am writing on behalf of the owners and residents at 27 Christie Street St Leonards as listed here:

• Visnja Majewski
• Paul Majewski
• Kiwan Majewski
• Talija Majewski
• Jacqui Dobes
• Martin Dobes
• Charlotte Griffiths
• Tom Griffiths • Penelope Griffiths
• Hunter Griffiths
• Peter Lovett
• Huina Shen
• Yi Ian Bao
• Erin Dougherty and two children
• Dane Conroy-Southey
• Hao Li
• Shu Yang

We are deeply concerned about the planned development above the Crows Nest Metro. For at least the past two years, noisy, heavy trucks have delivered building materials for the Crows Nest Metro construction site during the early hours of the morning, from 1:30 am to 4:30 am, causing significant disruptions to our sleep and negatively impacting our productivity at work and school.

Every weekday morning, trucks thunder up and down Oxley Street in St Leonards before dawn. As our townhouses' bedrooms face Oxley Street, this relentless activity disrupts our sleep and impairs our daily productivity.

We urgently request the NSW State Government to devise alternative plans for heavy vehicle activity along Oxley Street, from Lithgow Street to the Pacific Highway.

As your project could be in progress for next few years, we seek reassurance that your team can schedule the delivery of building materials during regular business hours, allowing us to rest undisturbed during these critical hours of the night.

I look forward to receiving your consideration for this serious issue.

Best regards,

Visnja Majewski
Secretary, Body Corporate
27 Christie Street
Wollstonecraft NSW 2000
0449 904 482

Resident / Co Owner 29 Nicholson StreetWollstonecraft NSW 2065 25th of November 2024 To:The Planning and Assessment TeamNSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure 4 Parramatta Square 12 Darcy Street Parramatta NSW 2150• Objection to Development Application SSD-70617459 for Mixed-Use Development with Affordable Housing at 378 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest• No reportable political donations made within the last two years• Acknowledgement that I accept the departments disclaimer and declaration Dear Sir/Madam,I am writing to formally object to the proposed mixed-use development with affordable housing at 378 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest (SSD-70617459). As a resident of the property directly behind the proposed development, I have serious concerns about the potential impacts of this development on my home, the surrounding area, and the community as a whole.1. Impact on Privacy and AmenityThe proposed development is situated directly behind my home, and I am particularly concerned about the loss of privacy and overall amenity that will result from this development. The new structures, particularly those that may overlook my property, will significantly reduce the privacy that I currently enjoy in my own home. There will be an increased risk of overlooking from windows, balconies, and terraces, which will affect both my living conditions and the value of my property.Given the height and scale of the proposed building, my concerns extend to the potential for excessive light spill, noise pollution, and general disruption to my daily life. The close proximity of such a large structure will substantially alter the peaceful nature of the surrounding residential area.2. Traffic and Parking IssuesCrows Nest is already an area with considerable traffic congestion, particularly along the Pacific Highway. The addition of a large mixed-use development, even one that includes affordable housing, will exacerbate the strain on local roads, further increasing the traffic burden in the area. In particular, the intersection near my property is often already difficult to navigate during peak hours, and the introduction of more vehicles could create significant safety concerns for local residents, including myself.Additionally, there are concerns regarding parking. The proposed development may not provide adequate parking spaces for all residents, and visitors to the area will likely rely on on-street parking. This would place even more pressure on already limited local parking resources and could lead to further congestion in an area that is already experiencing parking shortages.3. Overdevelopment and Local InfrastructureThe scale and density of the proposed mixed-use development are disproportionate to the existing low-rise character of the surrounding residential area. The construction of a large building in this area will dramatically alter the local streetscape and could create a precedent for further overdevelopment, negatively impacting the character and charm of Crows Nest.I am also concerned about the capacity of local infrastructure to accommodate the increased population that will result from the proposed development. The local schools, healthcare facilities, and public transport systems are already under significant pressure, and adding more residents to the area without properly addressing these issues will exacerbate these challenges.4. Environmental ConcernsThere are environmental concerns regarding the impact of such a large-scale development on the local environment. The construction process will create noise, dust, and disruption, and the long-term impacts of such a large development could negatively affect local wildlife, green spaces, and the general sustainability of the area.Additionally, I question whether sufficient environmental sustainability measures have been incorporated into the design of the development. Given the rapid urbanisation of Crows Nest, it is crucial that new developments prioritize green building practices, energy efficiency, and the protection of local ecosystems.5. Concerns Regarding Affordable HousingWhile I understand the importance of increasing the availability of affordable housing, I am concerned that the current proposal may not adequately address the needs of the local community. There is no guarantee that the affordable housing component of the development will be truly affordable or meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of the community. Without proper oversight and detailed planning, there is a risk that the proposed affordable housing will not integrate effectively with the existing community, potentially leading to social segregation or increased tension between different groups within the area.6. Request for Further Consultation and ModificationsI respectfully request that the planning authorities review this application in more detail and give full consideration to the concerns of local residents, including the impact on privacy, traffic, local infrastructure, and the environment. I would also appreciate the opportunity for further consultation to explore modifications to the proposal that would address these concerns, such as reducing the height or scale of the development, ensuring adequate parking, and implementing stricter environmental protections.I trust that these concerns will be carefully considered, and I ask that you take appropriate steps to protect the existing community in Crows Nest.Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.Yours sincerely,Resident / Co Owner

This development is one of a number that will overshadow the residential neighbourhood adjacent to it and create more traffic during and after construction. Local neighbours are tired of huge high rise developments which push boundaries of height and do not offer any recreation facilities for new and existing residents in an area which will have one of the highest density of population in NSW.
If it goes ahead it should provide the 30 affordable housing apartments first unlike the developments across the Highway which are boasting about foreign interest and deposits for high elevation multiple bedroom apartments.
The Planning Department resources and time would be better spent on developing regional centres where businesses could be improved and increased with more population.

See submission attached for my comments

I fully support this project.

This location could not be more ideal for development, it is literally right next to the brand new state of the art, Crows Nest Metro Station (which gets people into the CBD in under 10 minutes) and on a main road. If we can't build here, we can't build anywhere.

Sensibly increasing density in Crows Nest which has a lot of commercial real estate, is next to main arterial roads and is a major transport hub is absolutely necessary to resolve Sydney's housing crisis. On Sydney's North Shore there are very frequently extremely long lines at inspections for apartments (70/80 people sometimes) and costs are exorbitantly high. As the productivity Commission report recently warned - Sydney risks being a city without Grandchildren.

This is a great location for more housing and should be approved!

The project is way too tall at 31 storeys and my apartment building 20-26 Hume St will loose all its morning sunlight. As my complex has not been rezoned we have the most to loose with several more developments coming. Also no underpass to the station has been built or future approvals made to get pedestrians off the overcrowded footpaths. Why should i support affordable housing when the government intends on selling off the properties in 15 years to the general public,disgraceful.