Mixed use with infill affordable housing - 3-5 Help Street, Chatswood

Refer to Objection Submission prepared by Milestone dated 14 July 2025

Please see the attached response, information sheet and growth data from. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Urban Growth team at [email protected].

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally oppose the proposed high-rise development at 3-5 Help Street, Chatswood. While I understand the need for urban growth, I believe this project will have significant negative impacts on the local community and environment. My concerns are outlined below.
1. Excessive Density and Overdevelopment
The proposal seeks to increase the building height from 20–25m to 90m and the floor space ratio from 2.7 to 6:1, resulting in a 35-storey tower with 118 apartments.
Such a dramatic increase in density is out of character with the surrounding area and will place undue pressure on local infrastructure and services.
2. Loss of Privacy
The sheer number of apartments and the building’s height will result in significant overlooking of neighboring properties, leading to a loss of privacy for existing residents.
Residents in nearby homes and lower-rise buildings will be exposed to constant observation from hundreds of new units.
3. Strain on Local Infrastructure
The influx of new residents will exacerbate existing issues with traffic congestion and parking shortages. The development provides 189 car spaces, which is insufficient for the number of apartments and commercial spaces proposed.
Local streets already experience parking difficulties, and this development will worsen the situation, especially during peak hours.
4. Negative Social and Community Impacts
High-rise living is associated with increased social isolation, reduced social cohesion, and diminished opportunities for community interaction, particularly for families and the elderly.
The design of high-rise buildings often discourages neighborly relationships and can negatively affect mental health and well-being.
5. Environmental and Amenity Concerns
The height and bulk of the building will cast significant shadows on neighboring properties and public spaces, reducing sunlight and potentially creating wind tunnel effects that impact pedestrian comfort and safety.
The development may also disrupt local bird and bat flight paths and increase noise and litter in the area.
The architectural style is not in harmony with the surrounding Federation houses and may become an eyesore in the future.
6. Precedent for Further High-Rise Development
Approving this project could set a precedent for more high-rise developments in the area, leading to further overdevelopment and cumulative negative impacts on the community.
8. Questionable Use of Planning Controls
The significant increase in height and density appears to be justified primarily by affordable housing provisions, which may not deliver genuine community benefit but rather serve developer interests.
In summary, the proposed high-rise at 3-5 Help 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.

Objection to proposed development
SSD-76555711
Mixed use development with infill affordable housing
Help Street, Chatswood

As residents in 1 Day Street we wish to reiterate our strong objection to are expressing our grave concerns and strongest objection to the proposed development.

The proposed highrise residential tower is right opposite to 1 Day street and will severely block the views from the low rise units on 1 Day Street, which will 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 problem is further aggravated with the recently proposed developments of multiple high-rise apartments clustering around the neighbourhood of Anderson Street, Mcintosh Street and Day Street.

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 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 council to 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 this subject development.

Yours Sincerely,

On behalf of Resident in 38/1 Day Street, Chatswood

traffic is already highly congested in the area. no more high density living real estate development please.

We strongly object to the proposed development on Help Street, which we believe is entirely unsuitable for this already over-densified precinct. The existing infrastructure, particularly Help Street itself, is at breaking point, experiencing severe congestion and traffic gridlock during peak hours. Introducing a significant affordable housing development will inevitably exacerbate these issues, placing an intolerable strain on our roads, public transport, and local amenities. Furthermore, the proposed height of the building is deeply concerning. It will cast significant shadow over the lower levels of existing properties on Cambridge Lane, Anderson St and Help Street, including the Cambridge/Toga/Regency buildings, depriving residents of natural light and diminishing their quality of life. We contend that placing 'affordable housing' in an area with some of the highest land values in the region is fundamentally misguided. Affordable housing initiatives are far better suited to areas where land acquisition and development costs are substantially lower, thereby maximizing the number of truly affordable units that can be delivered and ensuring better value for public investment. This proposal, in contrast, risks devaluing surrounding properties and undermining the established character of our neighborhood, without genuinely addressing the core principles of affordable housing in a sustainable manner.

As a local resident living near the proposed development at 3–5 Help Street, Chatswood (SSD 7655711), I would like to express my concern regarding the current scale and height of the proposed 35-storey mixed-use development.

While I recognise the need for urban renewal and additional housing, I respectfully urge the Department to reconsider the height and density of the project for the following reasons:
1. Excessive Building Height and Overdevelopment
A 35-storey tower is significantly out of scale with the surrounding area and will dominate the local streetscape. A mid-rise alternative would better reflect the character of Chatswood and minimise visual and environmental impacts.
2. Pressure on Public Schools and Local Infrastructure
The population increase from 160 new apartments will place further strain on already overcrowded public schools and community facilities. The development should be scaled down unless clear commitments to infrastructure upgrades are made.
3. Traffic and Parking Congestion
With only 165 parking spaces, the development will likely worsen local traffic and on-street parking, especially during school drop-off/pick-up hours and peak commute times.

I am not opposed to development on this site, but I strongly recommend reducing the building height and apartment density to ensure the project integrates more harmoniously with the existing community and infrastructure capacity.

Thank you for considering the views of local residents. I trust that this feedback will help shape a more balanced and sustainable outcome for Chatswood.

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 76555711 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.

I strongly object the proposed development with serious concerns as below:
- overbearing height, bulk and scale
- inadequate setbacks and insufficient building separations
- unacceptable impact on views currently enjoyed by the residents of surrounding properties
- inadequate consideration of traffic related impacts
- overloading the existing infrastructure of Chatswood
In conclusion, the overdevelopment of the site will directly and adversely impact on the amenity and quality of life of nearby residents and surrounding neighbourhood, leading to poor urban design outcome.

Dear officer,

I am writing to formally express my objection to the proposed construction of 3-5 help street in front of my property located at 7 Railway Street. After reviewing the plans and considering the potential impact, I have significant concerns that I would like to bring to your attention.

My primary reasons for opposing this project include:

Privacy Concerns: The new building may directly overlook my home, compromising my family’s privacy. Please see the attachements, how closed it is front my balacony. It is only view from my area. If there is 32 floor building in front me, how terrible it is.

Obstruction of View/Light: The construction could block natural light or disrupt the current view, affecting my property’s livability and value. See attachements, that will be sooooo closed to me and no light goes through to my home. My home is whole facing the building, no gap.

Noise and Disturbance: The construction phase and subsequent use of the building may cause excessive noise and inconvenience.

Traffic/Safety Issues: Increased vehicular or pedestrian traffic could pose safety risks, especially if I have children or elderly family members.

I kindly request that you reconsider the proposed plans or explore alternative solutions that address these concerns, such as adjusting the building’s design or scale. I would also appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further or attend any relevant meetings where community input is considered.

Please let me know how you plan to proceed and what steps I can take to formally lodge my objection if required. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Yanan Fan
1210/ 7 Railway St Chatswood NSW 2067

Here are some adverse effects for too many tall buildings concentrated in a small area:
- Urban heat island effect: Trap heat, raising temperatures
- Echo effects between tall buildings can amplify sound (especially the building site is close to Chatswood railway station)
- Natural light may be blocked for adjacent buildings
- Reduced air circulation and causes air pollution
- Concentrated tall buildings area could block sunlight from reaching lower levels and adjacent properties
- Proximity of tall buildings can reduce privacy for residents
- Increase vehicle volume could worsen the current traffic congestion problem in Chatswood

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing as a concerned resident of Chatswood to formally express my opposition to the proposed construction of new high-rise buildings in our community.

Chatswood is already facing significant challenges due to overdevelopment. Traffic congestion has become increasingly severe, with major roads often gridlocked during peak hours. Adding more high-density buildings will only exacerbate these issues, putting further strain on an already overburdened traffic system.

Moreover, local infrastructure and community resources — including public transport, schools, parks, healthcare facilities, and other essential services — are already stretched to their limits. The addition of more residents would severely impact the quality of life for current residents and diminish the character of our community.

While I understand the need for urban growth, I urge you to consider more sustainable and balanced approaches that prioritize livability, infrastructure capacity, and long-term community wellbeing.

Thank you for considering my concerns.

This highrise is going to significantly impact the quality my living by bringing more people, transportation and noise. It will also block my view and the sun light. I strongly object to this project.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for 3–5 Help Street, Chatswood. While I support thoughtful urban development and affordable housing, I wish to raise several urgent concerns which remain unaddressed in the current planning and assessment documentation.

1. Wind Tunnel Effects and Pedestrian Safety
The proposed 35-storey tower—with a relatively narrow setback and tall, flat façades—poses a high risk of creating additional wind tunnel conditions along Help Street and Cambridge Lane. These effects are particularly concerning for pedestrians, cyclists, and local café patrons, especially without the inclusion of a dedicated wind impact study. No effective mitigation strategies have been presented to address potential discomfort or danger to passers-by.

2. Traffic and Congestion
The developer’s Transport Impact Assessment projects:
56 vehicle trips/hour in the AM peak
48 vehicle trips/hour in the PM peak
These vehicle volumes will significantly affect intersections like Help Street & Anderson Street, already operating near capacity. Furthermore, no assessment has been included for weekend traffic impacts, which are critical given Chatswood's busy retail profile.

3. Proximity to Schools and Impact on Student Safety
This development is within walking distance of several major educational institutions, including:
Chatswood Public School
Chatswood High School
St Pius X College
Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary School
Each of these schools is located within 400–700 m of the proposed site, and all lie within shared school and pedestrian zones.
The increase in local traffic, particularly during school pick-up and drop-off hours, will heighten the risk of:
Congestion and confusion at already busy crossings
Reduced visibility and safety for children
Increased conflict between vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists
No School Traffic Safety Assessment or consultation with school communities has been submitted. This is a serious oversight that directly affects hundreds of local students who rely on walking or cycling for their daily commute.

4. Cumulative and Uncoordinated Development Impact
The application fails to acknowledge the existing and future neighbouring large-scale developments, particularly at 3 McIntosh Street and adjacent Anderson Street parcels. The absence of a coordinated precinct-level masterplan has led to:
Overlooked infrastructure load on roads and utilities
No assessment of combined traffic volume or service impacts
Potential for unbalanced population and amenity trade-offs
This piecemeal approach to development risks long-term dysfunction and resident dissatisfaction.

5. Noise and Vibration from Construction and Traffic
The Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment reveals the development will:
Exceed noise thresholds during construction at multiple nearby residences
Introduce additional vehicle noise from basement ingress/egress
Lack adequate mitigation for long-term service/mechanical equipment noise

6. Loss of Amenity and Incompatible Built Form
The proposed high-rise tower disrupts the existing built form character of Help Street and Cambridge Lane. The Visual Impact Assessment shows:
Up to 91% view loss at affected view corridors
Significant overshadowing of low-rise neighbouring buildings
Incompatibility with the mid-rise profile and established landscaping along the corridor

The proposed development at 3–5 Help Street, Chatswood introduces unacceptable risks to public safety, local infrastructure, and community amenity, particularly for school-age children and vulnerable pedestrians. The lack of cumulative planning, incomplete traffic and wind impact assessments, and disregard for school proximity and safety demand further scrutiny.

I request that this SSDA not be approved unless and until the following are submitted and addressed:

A precinct-wide cumulative impact and infrastructure assessment
A dedicated pedestrian/wind tunnel impact study
A detailed traffic and safety plan, specifically addressing school zone impacts
Formal engagement with local educational institutions and community groups

Sincerely,
Brice Lis
Chatswood Resident