Mod 1 - Design amendments

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed 35-storey development at 3–5 Help Street, Chatswood, and its significant impact on my property at 2A Help Street, Chatswood NSW 2067.
A key reason for purchasing my apartment was its north-facing aspect. The main bedroom receives substantial natural sunlight throughout the day, which was a major factor in my decision to buy the property. Access to natural light contributes not only to the enjoyment and livability of the apartment but also to its value and my personal health and wellbeing. The expectation of continued northern sunlight was one of the primary considerations influencing my decision to purchase this property.
Based on the information available regarding the proposed development, it appears that the new building will substantially reduce sunlight reaching my apartment, particularly the main bedroom. The resulting loss of solar access would significantly diminish the amenity of my home and is likely to adversely affect both its market value and my quality of life.
As a senior resident, access to natural sunlight is especially important for my physical and mental wellbeing. A significant reduction in sunlight exposure is likely to have a detrimental impact on my health, daily comfort, and overall quality of life.
While I understand that the development approval process may be well advanced and that it may not be realistic to prevent the project from proceeding, I respectfully submit that the impacts on affected residents such as myself should be properly recognized, assessed, and addressed.
Accordingly, I request consideration of appropriate compensation measures to offset the substantial loss of amenity, sunlight access, property value, and wellbeing arising from the proposed development. Such measures could include:
• Relocation assistance to alternative accommodation offering comparable solar access, amenity, and living conditions; or
• Financial compensation sufficient to mitigate the adverse impacts of the development, including assistance with maintaining my health and wellbeing through increased outdoor activities, or support services that may become necessary as a result of the loss of natural sunlight to my home.
I respectfully request that my concerns, and the specific impacts on my property, be given careful consideration as part of the assessment process. I would also appreciate a written response outlining how these impacts will be addressed and whether any compensation, mitigation, or assistance measures are available to affected residents.
Thank you for your consideration of this submission. I look forward to your response.

I object to the proposed modification for the following reasons:

1. The cumulative impact of the proposed amendments are such that the proposed development is no longer substantially the same: s.4.55(2) Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (Cth). This arises because of the nature and scale of the proposed revisions to the dwelling mix and internal layout changes, proposed increase in building height, and proposed increase in the area of basement level 5 to accommodate 40 extra parking spaces (or approximately 25% more than originally approved).

2. There is insufficient information and evidence to support the applicant's assertion that the extension of basement level 5 would result in a structurally sound outcome. The design certificate at Appendix K provides no reasons or proper basis for the assertions therein. There is also insufficient information about whether the additional earthworks that would be required in any such extension would cause an adverse impact to the surrounding area and neighbouring properties.

3. There is insufficient information and evidence demonstrating that the additional parking spaces sought to be included on basement level 5 by the applicant would result in an acceptable impact on traffic in the locality. More car parking necessarily means capacity for more cars in the locality, which encourages rather than discouraging unnecessary road use. Traffic management is already a major issue in the locality and the amount of parking already approved as part of the development consent is more than sufficient considering the proposed reduction in apartments. The applicant's proposed reduction in apartments is inconsistent with the need for an extension to the carpark and additional parking in basement level 5.

I am a resident of 1 Cambridge Lane Chatswood, and I write to formally object to the proposed 35-storey residential development located at 3-5 Help Street, Chatswood currently under Application No.: SSD-76555711-Mod-1.

My objection is based on the following planning and environmental concerns:

Firstly, the proposed building height and bulk will significantly obstruct natural ventilation in the area. Given the existing urban density, the introduction of a 35-storey tower directly in front of my buildings which is less than 10 and create a “wind barrier” effect. On the right hand side locate two tall buildings on 2- Help Street will airflow poor air quality. This good urban design principles and adversely impact residents’ health and comfort.

Secondly, the development will result in a substantial loss of visual amenity. Current residents enjoy open outlooks and access to natural light, both of which will be severely compromised by the scale and positioning of the proposed structure. The overshadowing and visual obstruction will materially diminish the quality of life for surrounding residents.

In addition, Help St and Anderson St are already heavily congested during holidays and weekend. The proposed to increased car parking from 166 to 206 spaces, it will lead to more vehicles which will further worsen the traffic congestion.

In addition, the development projects near Cambridge Lane, such as 10 Brown Street, 815 Pacific Highway, 2 Wilson St and 849,853,859 Pacific Highway regarding increased traffic congestion, noise during construction, and added pressure on local infrastructure and services. These cumulative impacts appear disproportionate to the capacity of the existing neighbourhood.

I respectfully request that Council carefully consider these issues I believe the proposal does not adequately address environmental and social impacts and should therefore approve the development floor area and height. Council in the best interests of community.