Mixed use development with infill affordable housing - 44-52 Anderson Street, Chatswood

Please see below comments on the proposed 33-storey development (42-52 Anderson Street) and impact on neighbouring properties:
- Overshadowing impact due to the proposed building height of 117m which includes a FSR bonus of 30% to the set maximum height of 90m. While the extent of impact on neighbouring properties varies, a more significant impact is expected on nearby low rise buildings.
- Expected value decrease from the loss of view including 180 degree view in some apartments. Owners of these apartments paid a premium for the view.

Find objection attached.

I am an owner of an apartment in Altura, 11 Railway St Chatswood.
I strongly object to the proposed development for the following reasons:
1. The buildings at 117m are much higher than the 90m control.
2. The design of the 2 towers would make the buildings dominate the area and the skyline.
3. The buildings are not in character of the suburban street which contains heritage buildings and low rise apartments.
4. The tall towers would overshadow large areas of Chatswood and block sunlight from balconies of apartments east of them for most of the morning. This includes my balcony and my living and bedroom areas which receive direct sunlight in the morning, as would all the other Epica and Altura apartments facing towards the proposed development. The overshadowing would make these apartments dark, where currently they are sun-filled in the mornings.
5. The traffic congestion would be increased with an extra 123 apartments. Chatswood already has regular traffic jams and does not need such an increase in cars on a small suburban street.
6. There is very limited street parking in the area, causing extra congestion. Public parking stations are quite far away. The street is only one lane each way and is a small suburban street.
7. Chatswood being on the ridge line is quite a windy area and these 2 building will increase the wind tunnel effect significantly.
8. The demolition of the buildings on the site will cause much noise, dust and vibration impacts on the surrounding residents. High levels of noise, dust and vibration will have further severe impacts on residents during the long construction period.
9. The dominating and bulky buildings will have a great impact on the view from my apartment and the many other apartments in Altura and Epica facing towards the proposed buildings. Currently I can see water views including the ocean at North Head from my apartment and these views would be totally obscured by the tall buildings.
10. The buildings will affect the privacy of surrounding residents as they will tower over people's gardens, balconies and the swimming pool area of Altura and Epica.
11. There is a lack of infrastructure in the area. For example this will only increase the problems of overcrowding in the local schools and further traffic congestion in the area. The footpaths in Chatswood shopping area are already jam-packed during busy periods and adding residents from another 123 apartments can only exacerbate the situation.
12. There is no need for further retail space in the buildings, as Chatswood is already serviced by several large shopping centres.

Amendments and additional information are identified in the submission

As per attached document

Mar 2025
Objection to proposed development
SSD-75408008
Mixed use development with infill affordable housing - 44-52 Anderson Street, Chatswood

As residents in 1 Day Street we are deeply concerned about the negative impacts of proposed development to the neighbourhood and would like to voice our strong objection to the proposed development.

The proposed 33-storey high-rise apartment will block the views and severely diminish the external lighting and ventilation of residents in 1 Day Street and neighboring residential apartments and houses. It will certainly infringe the privacy of the residents of the individual balconies and public areas of 1 Day Street. All these will seriously affect the wellbeing of residents in 1 Day Street and the neighbourhood.

The proposed multi-storey buildings and developments will be incompatible with the neigibourhood with mostly low rises and houses in the vicinity of the Heritage Conservation Area, and affects the local landscapes.

The problem is further aggravated with the already-proposed developments of multiple hig-hrise apartments clustering around the neighbourhood of Anderson Street (proposed under DA 2023/150, DA 2023/152, DA 2023/160, DA2023/172).

The residents in 1 Day Street will also be greatly affected by the noises from the demolition and construction. The negative impact will probably be compounded with the multiple development projects being proposed around Anderson Street, adding to the grievance of the residents in 1 Day Street.

The multi storey apartments will certainly generate extra vehicle traffic, which will affect the neighbourhood in Anderson Street and will also significantly stress the Help Street / Cambridge Lane / McIntosh Street and cause great inconveniences to residents in 1 Day Street.

We urge the local authorities to listen to our voice and seriously consider the aggravations towards the residents of 1 Days Street caused by the combined effects of the series of proposed high rise apartments, and reject thiis subject development.

Yours Sincerely,

On behalf of Residents in 1 Day Street, Chatswood
1 March 2025

I do not support the project in its current form as I have concerns about the impact of the non-compliant setbacks. Specifically:

1. The non-compliant ground level setback on O'Brien Street removes approximately one-third of the public footpath width that would be available with a DCP-compliant setback.
2. The non-compliant setback on "Western Laneway" will significantly impact residents of the 1 Day Street apartments, and is likely to turn that public laneway into a dark, uninviting space.
3. If non-compliant setbacks are approved for this project, it sets a precedent for the four other surrounding projects.

The circa 2,700 sqm site provides ample opportunity for a high-quality development without the need for compromises on setbacks, particularly with the 30% FSR and height uplift available to this project.

The affordable units is only 29% is too low.

Not supporting affordable housing in chatswood cbd area

The traffic is already bad. If there are more big projects, the traffic would be much worse. It took me half an hour to pass the Victovia Avenue last Saturday. I hope you reconsider the application. Thanks.

As a resident of a neighbouring property, I am deeply concerned about the significant negative impact this development will have on the surrounding community. My objections are based on the following grounds:

The height of the structure will cast significant shadows over nearby properties, resulting in a loss of natural light, particularly during winter months when sunlight is already limited.
The construction of a 33-storey building will inevitably cause prolonged noise, dust, and disruption, severely affecting the well-being of neighbouring residents. The impact of heavy machinery, construction traffic, and ongoing works will create an unbearable living environment for an extended period. Furthermore, vibrations from construction activities could potentially damage the foundations of nearby buildings, posing a risk to structural integrity.
The proposed high-rise development will negatively impact property values in the surrounding area. The loss of views, privacy, and increased congestion could make neighbouring properties less desirable, leading to reduced property values and making it harder for residents to sell their homes in the future.
Additionally, the proposed development will lead to a substantial increase in traffic congestion in an already busy area. With the influx of new residents, the demand for road access and parking will rise significantly, placing additional strain on local infrastructure - especially the lights on anderson street which already get congested at peak hours.

I have been a resident of Chatswood for more than two decades now and I have seen this neighbourhood transform - many ways in which I am appreciative of and grateful for. I have seen Chatswood become a thriving hub on the North Shore, and whilst I am not opposed to the recent high-rise developments altogether, I fear that there is a certain point at which we risk sacrificing the quality of live we have come to the enjoy in Chatswood for the sake of endless development and redevelopment. My home, and my enjoyment of my home, will be directly affected by the proposed development, which will effect noise pollution, dust pollution and likely block out much sunlight . I am concerned that the protracted nature of this development will also effectively transform my neighbourhood into a large-scale construction area for months if not years. I present my submission as a concerned resident of Chatswood, a truly great suburb which I would love to preserve.

1. Excessive Height and Bulk
The 33-storey height is inconsistent with the surrounding urban fabric, potentially overwhelming nearby structures and altering the area's skyline.
It may exceed the local planning controls, such as height and floor space ratio (FSR) limits, leading to overdevelopment of the site.
2. Traffic and Parking Concerns
The development proposes eight basement levels, likely resulting in increased traffic congestion on Anderson Street and surrounding roads.
Additional vehicles from 123 apartments (including 36 affordable units) may worsen peak-hour traffic bottlenecks and place additional strain on the road network.
Potential insufficient on-site parking for residents and visitors, pushing overflow parking onto nearby streets.
3. Infrastructure Strain
The increased population density could exceed the capacity of local infrastructure, including:
Public transport (buses and trains already under strain)
Sewerage and drainage systems
Water supply and waste management services
Schools, medical facilities, and childcare centers
4. Overshadowing and Loss of Privacy
The tower’s height may create significant overshadowing of adjacent properties, reducing sunlight access for nearby residents and businesses.
The placement of balconies and windows could result in an unacceptable level of overlooking, affecting the privacy of neighbors.
5. Non-Compliance with Local Planning Controls
If the project exceeds zoning restrictions, height limits, or FSR guidelines, it sets a negative precedent for future developments.
It may fail to align with the Willoughby Local Environmental Plan (LEP) or Development Control Plan (DCP).
6. Impact on Local Character and Amenity
The scale and design may be out of character with the existing streetscape and detract from the area's heritage or aesthetic appeal.
Construction noise, dust, and traffic could cause long-term disruption to local residents and businesses.
7. Environmental Concerns
Urban heat island effect: The high-density construction could increase heat retention, impacting local microclimate.
Tree removal and biodiversity loss: If the project requires removal of mature trees or green spaces, it may lead to habitat destruction for local wildlife.
Stormwater runoff: Large impervious surfaces could increase flood risk in the area.
8. Questionable Public Benefit
While 36 units are designated as affordable housing, it is unclear if this meets genuine long-term affordability standards or if affordability will lapse after a set period.
The benefits to the broader community (e.g., improved public spaces, parks, or community facilities) appear limited.
9. Ministerial Approval Instead of Local Council Oversight
The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, rather than Willoughby City Council, is the consent authority. This raises concerns about:
Lack of local community input in decision-making.
The possibility of overriding local planning controls in favor of large-scale development.

The proposed development is too tall. It will impact our quality of life by losing our existing views, privacy, and sunlight.
The government must take into account that we are also paying our rates and taxes and must not favour massive new developments at our expense.
The inclusion of affordable housing in the proposal is a rort to allow the developers to increase the already very tall proposed building.
The government must be fair with their approval by also taking into consideration the negative impact on new developments to existing residents.

I am very concerned about the scale and size of this development which essentially overshadows the neighbouring Violet and Tulip Streets, rendering loss of privacy and it will immensely exacerbate the existing congestion in the neighbourhood. This State Significant Development is unsustainable and will lead to significant overcrowding and add to further traffic congestion in Chatswood. The State should never have taken over the local council and forced this development through, instead of focusing on constructing new housing in new vacant areas to address what has been a very chronic issue.

I am very concerned about the scale and size of this development which essentially overshadows the neighbouring Violet and Tulip Streets, rendering loss of privacy and it will immensely exacerbate the existing congestion in the neighbourhood. This State Significant Development is unsustainable and will lead to significant overcrowding and add to further traffic congestion in Chatswood. The State should never have taken over the local council and forced this development through, instead of addressing the chronic housing shortage problem across the state.

Key Concerns:
Overbearing Scale and Impact on Sunlight:
The proposed high-rise building, with its excessive height, will significantly overshadow surrounding properties, severely impacting natural light access and privacy for residents.
Visual Intrusion:
The design of the building is incompatible with the existing low-rise residential character of the area, creating a visually jarring and disruptive presence on the streetscape.
Increased Traffic Congestion:
The additional residents from this high-rise development will undoubtedly put further strain on existing traffic infrastructure, leading to increased congestion and parking difficulties on our streets.
Negative Impact on Amenities:
The proposed development could potentially overwhelm local amenities such as parks, schools, and shops, impacting their usability for current residents.
Potential Environmental Concerns:
Concerns regarding potential impacts on air quality and increased noise pollution due to increased traffic and construction activities.
Request for Consideration:
I urge the planning department to carefully reconsider this application and explore alternative development options that better align with the existing neighborhood character and the needs of residents.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my concerns further and provide additional information as needed.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed mixed-use development at 44-52 Anderson Street, Chatswood. While I understand the need for increased housing, I believe this development, as currently proposed, will have a detrimental impact on the local community and surrounding environment. My objections are based on the following key concerns:

1. Construction Noise and Disruption: The construction of a 33-storey building will inevitably generate significant noise and disruption for an extended period. This will negatively impact residents in the immediate vicinity, affecting their quality of life, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. The cumulative effect of noise from this project, combined with other construction activities in the area, will be excessive and disruptive.

2. Visual Impact and Overshadowing: A 33-storey building will dramatically alter the streetscape and have a significant visual impact on the surrounding area. Its sheer size and scale are incompatible with the existing character of the neighbourhood. Furthermore, the building will likely cast long shadows, obstructing sunlight to neighbouring properties, including homes, gardens, and public spaces. This loss of natural light will have a negative impact on residents' well-being and the local environment.

3. Increased Wind Tunnel Effect: Tall buildings can create or exacerbate wind tunnel effects, leading to increased wind speeds at ground level. This can make pedestrian areas uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, particularly during periods of strong winds. The proposed 33-storey building is likely to contribute to this problem, impacting the comfort and safety of residents and pedestrians in the area.

4. Traffic Congestion: The development will add to the already significant traffic congestion in Chatswood, particularly on Anderson Street and surrounding roads. The proximity to the shopping centre and several schools already creates peak-hour bottlenecks. The increased residential density resulting from this development will exacerbate this issue, leading to longer commute times, increased pollution, and frustration for local residents. The proposal does not adequately address the increased traffic volume and its impact on local roads.

5. Overpopulation and Strain on Local Infrastructure: Chatswood is already a densely populated area. This development will contribute to further overpopulation, placing additional strain on existing infrastructure, including public transport, schools, medical facilities, and recreational areas. The proposal fails to demonstrate how these increased demands will be adequately addressed.

6. Alternative Locations for Development: Rather than concentrating development in already congested areas like Chatswood, the NSW government should focus on developing nearby suburbs like Roseville and Lindfield. These areas have better capacity for growth and offer opportunities for more sustainable and less disruptive development. Investing in infrastructure and amenities in these areas would distribute growth more evenly and alleviate pressure on Chatswood.

For the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to the proposed mixed-use development at 44-52 Anderson Street, Chatswood. I urge the NSW Government Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to carefully consider these concerns and reject the current proposal. I believe a development of this scale and nature is inappropriate for this location and will have a detrimental impact on the local community and environment. I request that the Department explore alternative solutions that address the need for housing without compromising the quality of life for existing residents and further straining already overburdened infrastructure.

In conjunction with our neighbours at 17 and 21 Violet Street, we originally lodged with Willoughby City Council our strong objection to the planning proposal for 58 Anderson Street. In support of that objection, we also submitted many signatures of residents in the local area who indicated their disapproval of that proposal. At that time, we took the opportunity to canvass their views regarding the proposals for other developments along the western side of Anderson Street. There is no doubt that a large majority of residents of the “flower streets” are equally opposed to the mixed-use development proposed for 44-52 Anderson Street.
As long-term residents of the conservation area directly to the east of this site, our objection is principally to the overbearing mass of such a huge mixed-use structure in a prime residential area. This is an area that already suffers from traffic congestion and the impact of massive office and residential towers in the vicinity.

The mixed-use development proposed for 44-52 Anderson Street, is not justified for the following reasons:

• The proposed structure is far too tall for the area, overshadowing the residential areas to its north, south and east and intruding into the whole area with a domineering presence. It would tower over the homes and backyards in our area affording little, if any, privacy to residents. The structure would fail aesthetically in complementing the existing streets and local area and not blend in with the adjoining properties.
• The mixed-use element would bring an unwanted and unnecessary commercialisation to the area. The whole area of the Chatswood CBD has more than adequate commercial facilities to service the needs of the community.
• The structure would add significantly to the density of the population in the area, which is already too great. It would create more traffic in the whole area of the “flower streets”, add to the traffic congestion in Ashley, Anderson and Archer streets and further impede the flow of traffic on to the Pacific Highway from Ashley Street.
• It would exacerbate the parking problem in this area with workers parking all day, as there is no commuter car park. Parking in our streets and the unrestricted areas is usually fully occupied from very early in the morning.
• Additional population will add to the pressure on parks and recreational facilities and hamper access to shopping and other amenities. Residents of the area already experience the dumping of rubbish on nature strips, shopping trolleys being abandoned and the illegal parking of cars on local streets and in back lanes such as Nichols and Zinnia.

This proposal fails on these key issues, and we respectfully ask that it be rejected.

We believe that the NSW Government should be taking a holistic view to development along Anderson Street. The relatively new building at 28 Anderson St should be the benchmark for the height of new buildings. If anything, building heights going north should be reducing as they intrude into the residential area to the east and overshadow the apartments at 1 Day Street.

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed development at 44-52 Anderson Street, Chatswood, due to its significant impact on traffic congestion, overcrowding, the safety of the existing school environment, noise pollution, and the implications of affordable housing concentration.

Traffic congestion is already a major issue on Anderson Street and surrounding roads. As someone who drives through this area daily, I frequently experience long delays, especially during peak hours and weekends. Chatswood is a busy commercial hub, and weekend traffic jams around shopping centers and dining precincts already make travel frustrating. Adding a high-density development will only worsen congestion, making it even harder to move through the area efficiently.

Additionally, the proposed development lacks adequate parking, which will lead to spillover into nearby residential areas. Finding parking in Chatswood is already a challenge, and this project will only increase demand, making it even harder for residents and visitors to park.

Furthermore, the increased business activities surrounding the proposed development block will negatively impact the nearby school environment. Higher traffic volumes and increased pedestrian activity pose safety risks for school children, making it more dangerous for them to commute to and from school. The additional noise and disruptions will also affect the learning environment, reducing the overall quality of education for students.

Noise pollution is another significant concern. The influx of residents, commercial activities, and increased traffic will generate continuous noise throughout the day and night. Construction noise during the development phase will further disrupt the area, affecting both residents and local businesses. Increased ambient noise levels will reduce the overall quality of life, making Chatswood a less desirable place to live and work.

The concentration of affordable housing in a single high-density development raises concerns about long-term community balance and infrastructure strain. While affordable housing is important, it should be integrated thoughtfully across various developments rather than clustered in a single location. A disproportionate increase in population without adequate community facilities and support services will create additional pressure on local resources, potentially leading to socio-economic imbalance in the area.

The scale of this development does not align with Chatswood’s infrastructure capacity and will negatively impact livability. I urge planning authorities to reconsider the project and implement proper traffic, noise control, and safety solutions before approving further high-density development.