Mowbray Road, Lane Cove North, Affordable Housing

I would like to express my concern about the removal of the large tree (image attached) on the Mindarie street side of this development. This tree is very much alive and green and has been here longer than any development in the area. It provides shelter to the homes adjacent and a feeling of "nature", and is one of the reasons why we fell in love with the area in the first place. It's also home to many native birds, including Tawny Frogmouths (photo attached from tree to the right) and Cockatoos that regularly frequent the area.

I object the project based on the following reasons:
1. The number of onsite parking in the building is not in proportion with the development. All apartments around the area at least 1 parking space per unit. Why do we have 70 bike parking space when the cycling infrastructure in this area is lacking? The proposed development will put a lot of pressure on street parking and have anyone seen how hard it is to find parking around Mindarie Park?

2. The over-shadowing to adjacent apartment is not acceptable. there is already lack of sun lights at the south west corner of the site and the height of the building will make the problem worse.
3. There is zero amenity or shops in the area and the locals have been informed by the Council that they will push for some small shops in the proposed site to service the area and reduce the traffic to the local shopping area. The proposed development does not address this point.
4. The noise from the communal park area needs to be shielded off from the adjacent apartments.

I am objecting to this project's social housing component because as a taxpayer I believe there is more help to more people if you do not build on very high value land in expensive regions of Sydney but instead realise this valuable land which may not have been so significant at first purchase. The high value land is due to its close proximity to the City and employment which is of little help to most people in social housing who have more pressing requirements. Therefore, with the cost of the land value should it be sold to a developer or if all the building be used for affordable housing which houses essential workers much needed in this region, then this provides more funds and housing availability to home more social housing recipients.
If I was requiring the help of social housing, I would not expect to be living in a very expensive part of Sydney. In this case, neighbouring apartments worth over $1M. As that just would be unreasonable and unnecessary and the downside is particularly less people being assisted.
And furthermore, I would expect that the government to be considerate and place housing near to frequent train or bus services and most importantly shops with services so that I could easily take care of my essential needs for survival and amenity. This is not the case in this proposal.
Hopefully, some of these recipients may improve their circumstances but many will remain on welfare. Ones that are able to improve their circumstances can then make choices of locality in the future. But to spend taxpayers' money on less people being helped than more seems extremely wasteful of our taxes and cruel to the many more people that miss out because of this decision. As what they do need is a roof over their heads and an opportunity to improve their lives.
Over the years areas that availed social housing have become very affluent and it makes no sense to house less people in need in areas that have high land value rather than multiples more of needy people in less expensive areas. No sense at all and that is why I object to this proposal.

Sincerely
Lynne Pellaers

I strongly object to the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North, for its failure to address critical community needs and its detrimental impact on the area.

Firstly, this development neglects the promised neighbourhood centre vital to the Mowbray Precinct, which houses 2,700 residents but lacks adequate retail spaces and basic infrastructure. Despite earlier commitments, there are still no shops or services to support this growing population. Instead, this proposal perpetuates the infrastructure deficiencies, with no provisions for bus shelters, safe pedestrian paths, or family-friendly housing.

The building's design exacerbates these issues. It overshadows Mindarie Park, creating unsafe, uninviting spaces and disrupting the streetscape. The L-shaped layout isolates it from neighboring properties, while the lack of family-oriented features, such as sufficient larger apartments and bathtubs, makes it unsuitable for diverse community needs.

Furthermore, the development's social impact is alarming. Poorly maintained social housing nearby has already contributed to increased crime and antisocial behavior. This proposal fails to address these concerns or provide necessary “third places” for community interaction.

Safety risks during construction are also unacceptable. The site’s proximity to a primary school, combined with inadequate traffic management, endangers children who frequently use the area. Heavy vehicle movements must be restricted during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Lastly, the process has been deeply flawed. The NSW Government’s dual role as applicant and authority is a clear conflict of interest. Community consultation has been late and dismissive, and the request for infrastructure contribution exemptions is unjustified.

This proposal must be overhauled to prioritize community infrastructure, family housing, and safety. Without significant changes, it should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission and rejected outright.

Please see attached

Sincere regards
Chris Shortt
Senior Planner
Lane Cove Council

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed project. It appears to overlook the needs of current residents, and I believe it could have negative consequences for the community.

The development, as proposed, lacks key amenities that are essential to improving the daily lives of those already living in the area. Without these critical facilities, existing residents would be left to manage with inadequate resources. Moreover, the absence of reliable public transportation is a significant issue. Residents are already forced to rely on limited and inefficient options, which fail to meet their basic needs for mobility.

Rather than benefiting the community, this project, in its current form, seems likely to only increase the challenges residents face, rather than contributing to the area’s long-term growth and prosperity.

I urge you to reconsider the proposal with these concerns in mind.

Dear NSW Planning team and NSW Housing team,

I write to you in relation to the project at 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North, NSW 2066.

As a local owner/resident of the street, I am disappointed that the project does not include the basic retail amenities that have been discussed amongst the community for so long, and are clearly missing from the area - I cannot support having yet another 100% housing project be mounted without having the basic requirements of a community that has grown 10 fold in as many years, without any changes to infrastructure.

Discussions have been ongoing for years with the council about having a proximity store (IGA/Woolies Metro or other), GP rooms and potentially a chemist - and a lot of hope has been held for this site to include these in the project. Not having these in place means even more traffic in and out of the area, more congestion and more hazard to the children and families that frequent the park and the school that sit either side of the site.

I urge you to reconsider the development project and include this very valuable infrastructure to make living in the area better for all residents.

Regards
Max GIRAULT

I am writing to voice my concerns regarding the proposed project. As currently planned, it appears to neglect the needs of the existing community, and I believe it could have a negative impact on the area.

The development does not include the necessary amenities to support and improve the quality of life for current residents. This leaves those who already live here with insufficient facilities and services. Furthermore, the lack of reliable public transportation is a significant issue. Residents are already relying on limited and inefficient transit options, which are inadequate for their daily needs.

In its present form, this project seems likely to worsen the challenges faced by the community, rather than fostering its growth and well-being. I urge you to reconsider these factors in the planning process.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North

I strongly oppose the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North, for the following reasons:

Background and Strategic Context
The site is part of the Mowbray Precinct, rezoned in 2010 for high-density residential development. A 2011 rezoning review prepared by the NSW Department of Planning and Lane Cove Council endorsed the need for a larger neighbourhood centre in the precinct to support the increased population density. Despite housing 2,700 residents in 1,500 dwellings, the precinct lacks essential amenities and has actually lost retail space since rezoning.

This site represents the last opportunity to deliver the neighbourhood centre promised in the precinct masterplan. The NSW Housing Minister made an election commitment to provide shops and services at this location, which has been ignored in this proposal.

Key Concerns

1. Design and Urban Form
- The building's height and mass will overshadow the Mindarie Park playground
- The L-shaped design creates an unsafe, overshadowed dead-end space behind the building
- The development poorly addresses Mindarie Street, it's isolated from neighbouring properties, creates an unwelcome gap in the streetscape, poorly addresses the intersection of Mindarie and Hatfield Streets, and overshadows Mindarie Park
- The proposal lacks family-friendly features, including insufficient two and three-bedroom apartments and bathtubs

2. Infrastructure Deficiencies
- The precinct lacks adequate retail spaces, with only two small shops serving 2,700 residents
- Basic infrastructure remains incomplete, including:
* Bus shelters
* Completed shared paths
* Accessible ramps on the Epping Road pedestrian bridge
* Pedestrian safety improvements on Centennial Avenue

3. Social Impact
- Social housing provides a benefit to a small number of people at a significant cost to the community
- Existing social housing buildings in the area are poorly maintained
- Social housing has caused crime and antisocial behaviour in our community
- The area lacks "third places" for social interaction outside homes
- The development fails to make a positive contribution to the social infrastructure this community needs

4. Construction and School Safety
- The construction site is located directly opposite a primary school
- The Mowbray Road shared path is busy with children walking, cycling, and scooting to school
- For the safety of these children the Construction Traffic Management Plan should prohibit heavy vehicle movements during school drop off and pick up times

5. Process Concerns
- There is a clear conflict of interest as the NSW Government is both applicant and consent authority
- Community engagement has been late, inadequate, and dismissive
- The request for exemption from Section 7.11 contributions is unjustified given the infrastructure gaps

Recommendations
1. The application should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission
2. The development should incorporate the promised neighbourhood centre with retail spaces
3. Building design should be modified to eliminate overshadowing and unsafe spaces
4. Strata ownership should be required to ensure the building is well maintained
5. Section 7.11 contributions should be required to fund missing infrastructure
6. More family-suitable housing should be included in the mix

The current proposal fails to meet strategic planning objectives, ignores community needs, and misses a crucial opportunity to create a liveable, vibrant precinct. Without significant modifications to address these issues, this development should not be approved.

Re: Development Application SSD-71687208
618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North

I strongly oppose the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North, for the following reasons:

Background and Strategic Context
The site is part of the Mowbray Precinct, rezoned in 2010 for high-density residential development. A 2011 rezoning review prepared by the NSW Department of Planning and Lane Cove Council endorsed the need for a larger neighbourhood centre in the precinct to support the increased population density. Despite housing 2,700 residents in 1,500 dwellings, the precinct lacks essential amenities and has actually lost retail space since rezoning.

This site represents the last opportunity to deliver the neighbourhood centre promised in the precinct masterplan. The NSW Housing Minister made an election commitment to provide shops and services at this location, which has been ignored in this proposal.

Key Concerns

1. Design and Urban Form
- The building's height and mass will overshadow the Mindarie Park playground
- The L-shaped design creates an unsafe, overshadowed dead-end space behind the building
- The development poorly addresses Mindarie Street, it's isolated from neighbouring properties, creates an unwelcome gap in the streetscape, poorly addresses the intersection of Mindarie and Hatfield Streets, and overshadows Mindarie Park
- The proposal lacks family-friendly features, including insufficient two and three-bedroom apartments and bathtubs

2. Infrastructure Deficiencies
- The precinct lacks adequate retail spaces, with only two small shops serving 2,700 residents
- Basic infrastructure remains incomplete, including:
* Bus shelters
* Completed shared paths
* Accessible ramps on the Epping Road pedestrian bridge
* Pedestrian safety improvements on Centennial Avenue

3. Social Impact
- Social housing provides a benefit to a small number of people at a significant cost to the community
- Existing social housing buildings in the area are poorly maintained
- Social housing has caused crime and antisocial behaviour in our community
- The area lacks "third places" for social interaction outside homes
- The development fails to make a positive contribution to the social infrastructure this community needs

4. Construction and School Safety
- The construction site is located directly opposite a primary school
- The Mowbray Road shared path is busy with children walking, cycling, and scooting to school
- For the safety of these children the Construction Traffic Management Plan should prohibit heavy vehicle movements during school drop off and pick up times

5. Process Concerns
- There is a clear conflict of interest as the NSW Government is both applicant and consent authority
- Community engagement has been late, inadequate, and dismissive
- The request for exemption from Section 7.11 contributions is unjustified given the infrastructure gaps

Recommendations
1. The application should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission
2. The development should incorporate the promised neighbourhood centre with retail spaces
3. Building design should be modified to eliminate overshadowing and unsafe spaces
4. Strata ownership should be required to ensure the building is well maintained
5. Section 7.11 contributions should be required to fund missing infrastructure
6. More family-suitable housing should be included in the mix

The current proposal fails to meet strategic planning objectives, ignores community needs, and misses a crucial opportunity to create a liveable, vibrant precinct. Without significant modifications to address these issues, this development should not be approved.

Dear Team,

Re: Development Application SSD-71687208
618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North.

The Mowbray Precinct, was intended to become a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. However, despite significant residential development, the promised neighbourhood centre and essential amenities remain largely absent. This site represents a last opportunity to rectify this.

I have several key concerns about this proposal:

1. Design
The proposed building's would overshadow Mindarie Park and create an uninviting, dark space behind the development.
The proposal lacks family-friendly features, such as sufficient two and three-bedroom apartments and bathtubs.

2. Infrastructure Deficiencies

The precinct suffers from a severe lack of retail spaces, with only two small shops serving a population of 2,700.
Critical infrastructure, including bus shelters, shared paths, accessible ramps, and pedestrian safety improvements, remains incomplete.

3. Social Impact

The development fails to address the community's need for social spaces and places of interaction.
The inclusion of social housing, while well-intentioned, may negatively impact the existing community without adequate support and planning.

4. Addressing Housing Shortage
In an area already with many housing developments in a small footprint, and characterised by high land values, I question the rationale behind adding yet another. Instead, proceeds from selling this land could be redirected towards developing housing further west, where it could accommodate more people while allowing this land to be repurposed to better meet our community's needs.

Recommendations
1. The application should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission
2. The development should incorporate the promised neighbourhood centre with retail spaces
3. Building design should be modified to eliminate overshadowing and unsafe spaces
4. Strata ownership should be required to ensure the building is well maintained
5. Section 7.11 contributions should be required to fund missing infrastructure
6. More family-suitable housing should be included in the mix
7. Consideration for sale, using capital to build in another area where a larger complex could be commissioned

I request consideration of the above, and reject the proposal in its current form. I strongly recommend that the development be referred to the Independent Planning Commission for a thorough review.

To ensure the development aligns with the community's needs and strategic planning objectives, I propose the following:

Incorporate a neighbourhood centre with retail spaces
Redesign the building to minimise overshadowing and create a more welcoming streetscape
Require strata title to ensure long-term maintenance
Mandate Section 7.11 contributions to fund essential infrastructure
Increase the proportion of family-friendly housing options
Thank you for your time and consideration.

This proposal is a missed opportunity to create a vibrant, liveable precinct. It ignores community needs and fails to align with strategic planning objectives. Unless significant changes are made, this development should be rejected.

I oppose the development of this project. Firstly, Mowbray Road is already too busy to accommodate additional medium- to high-density developments. This project will pose significant challenges to parking availability and daily traffic. During peak hours every morning, the single traffic lane in each direction on Mowbray Road is often congested, and residents along the route cannot rely on consistent public transportation services. Buses like the 533 have limited frequency and are often delayed. Many children attending Mowbray Public School are late to school every day because they cannot catch a bus. Adding more residents will only exacerbate this situation.

Secondly, the surrounding supermarkets and commercial properties are very limited, forcing residents to endure the inconvenience of traveling to purchase daily groceries. I suggest converting part or all of this project to commercial use, as local residents need more convenient shopping and healthcare services. Currently, most residents along Mowbray Road and children from Mowbray Public School have to travel to Chatswood or Lane Cove for medical care, not to mention accessing urgent care or emergency services.

I strongly oppose the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North, for the following reasons:
Background and Strategic Context

The site is located within the Mowbray Precinct, which was rezoned in 2010 for high-density residential development. A review of the rezoning in 2011, conducted by the NSW Department of Planning and Lane Cove Council, recognized the need for a larger neighbourhood centre to accommodate the increased population. Despite housing 2,700 residents across 1,500 dwellings, the precinct lacks critical amenities and has seen a reduction in retail space since the rezoning. This site represents the last opportunity to deliver the neighbourhood centre promised in the precinct’s masterplan. Additionally, the NSW Housing Minister's election commitment to provide shops and services at this location has been overlooked in this proposal.

Key Concerns are as follows

1. Design and Urban Form:

- The building's height and mass will overshadow the Mindarie Park playground.
- The L-shaped design creates an unsafe, overshadowed, and isolated dead-end space behind the building.
- The development poorly addresses Mindarie Street, creating a disconnect with neighbouring properties, an unwelcome gap in the streetscape, and an unfavorable interaction with the intersection of Mindarie and Hatfield Streets. It also overshadows Mindarie Park.
- The proposal lacks family-friendly features, such as an insufficient number of two- and three-bedroom apartments and no bathtubs.

2. Infrastructure Deficiencies:

- The precinct lacks sufficient retail space, with only two small shops serving 2,700 residents.
- basic infrastructure remains incomplete, including:
Bus shelters
- Completed shared paths
- Accessible ramps on the Epping Road pedestrian bridge
- Pedestrian safety improvements on Centennial Avenue

3. Social Impact:

- Social housing provides benefits to only a small segment of the population, at a significant cost to the broader community.
- Existing social housing in the area is poorly maintained.
- The concentration of social housing has led to crime and antisocial behaviour in the community.
- The area lacks "third places" for social interaction outside of homes.
- The development does not positively contribute to the social infrastructure the community urgently needs.

4. Construction and School Safety:

- The construction site is directly across from a primary school.
- The Mowbray Road shared path is heavily used by children walking, cycling, and scooting to school.
- For the safety of these children, the Construction Traffic Management Plan should restrict heavy vehicle movements during school drop-off and pick-up times.

5. Process Concerns:

- There is a clear conflict of interest, as the NSW Government is both the applicant and the consent authority.
- Community engagement has been delayed, inadequate, and dismissive of concerns.
- The request for exemption from Section 7.11 contributions is unjustified, given the existing gaps in infrastructure.

Recommendations:
- The application should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission.
- The development should include the promised neighbourhood centre with retail spaces.
- The building design should be modified to avoid overshadowing and create safe, welcoming spaces.
- Strata ownership should be mandated to ensure ongoing building maintenance.
- Section 7.11 contributions should be required to address the existing infrastructure gaps.
- The development should include a greater proportion of family-friendly housing.

This proposal fails to meet key strategic planning objectives, disregards community needs, and misses a critical opportunity to create a liveable and vibrant precinct. Without significant modifications to address these issues, this development should not proceed.

I oppose the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North, for the following reasons:

Main issues
1. Design and Urban Form
- The building's height and mass will overshadow the Mindarie Park playground, blocking much needed natural light.

2. Infrastructure Deficiencies
- The precinct lacks adequate retail spaces, with only two small shops serving over 2,700 residents

3. Social Impact
- Social housing provides a benefit to a small number of people at a significant cost to the community
- Existing social housing buildings in the area are poorly maintained
- Social housing has caused an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour in our community

4. Construction and School Safety
- The construction site is located directly opposite a primary school
- The Mowbray Road shared path is busy with children walking, cycling, and scooting to school
- For the safety of these children the Construction Traffic Management Plan should prohibit heavy vehicle movements during school drop off and pick up times

5. Process Concerns
- There is a clear conflict of interest as the NSW Government is both applicant and consent authority

Recommendations
1. The application should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission
2. Building design should be modified to eliminate overshadowing and unsafe spaces
3. The development should provide the promised neighbourhood centre with adequate retail spaces
4. Strata ownership model to ensure buildings are well maintained.

Re: Development Application SSD-71687208
618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North

I strongly oppose the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North, for the following reasons:

Background and Strategic Context
The site is part of the Mowbray Precinct, rezoned in 2010 for high-density residential development. A 2011 rezoning review prepared by the NSW Department of Planning and Lane Cove Council endorsed the need for a larger neighbourhood centre in the precinct to support the increased population density. Despite housing 2,700 residents in 1,500 dwellings, the precinct lacks essential amenities and has actually lost retail space since rezoning.

This site represents the last opportunity to deliver the neighbourhood centre promised in the precinct masterplan. The NSW Housing Minister made an election commitment to provide shops and services at this location, which has been ignored in this proposal.

Key Concerns

1. Design and Urban Form
- The building's height and mass will overshadow the Mindarie Park playground
- The L-shaped design creates an unsafe, overshadowed dead-end space behind the building
- The development poorly addresses Mindarie Street, it's isolated from neighbouring properties, creates an unwelcome gap in the streetscape, poorly addresses the intersection of Mindarie and Hatfield Streets, and overshadows Mindarie Park
- The proposal lacks family-friendly features, including insufficient two and three-bedroom apartments and bathtubs

2. Infrastructure Deficiencies
- The precinct lacks adequate retail spaces, with only two small shops serving 2,700 residents
- Basic infrastructure remains incomplete, including:
* Bus shelters
* Completed shared paths
* Accessible ramps on the Epping Road pedestrian bridge
* Pedestrian safety improvements on Centennial Avenue

3. Social Impact
- Social housing provides a benefit to a small number of people at a significant cost to the community
- Existing social housing buildings in the area are poorly maintained
- Social housing has caused crime and antisocial behaviour in our community
- The area lacks "third places" for social interaction outside homes
- The development fails to make a positive contribution to the social infrastructure this community needs

4. Construction and School Safety
- The construction site is located directly opposite a primary school
- The Mowbray Road shared path is busy with children walking, cycling, and scooting to school
- For the safety of these children the Construction Traffic Management Plan should prohibit heavy vehicle movements during school drop off and pick up times

5. Process Concerns
- There is a clear conflict of interest as the NSW Government is both applicant and consent authority
- Community engagement has been late, inadequate, and dismissive
- The request for exemption from Section 7.11 contributions is unjustified given the infrastructure gaps

Recommendations
1. The application should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission
2. The development should incorporate the promised neighbourhood centre with retail spaces
3. Building design should be modified to eliminate overshadowing and unsafe spaces
4. Strata ownership should be required to ensure the building is well maintained
5. Section 7.11 contributions should be required to fund missing infrastructure
6. More family-suitable housing should be included in the mix

The current proposal fails to meet strategic planning objectives, ignores community needs, and misses a crucial opportunity to create a liveable, vibrant precinct. Without significant modifications to address these issues, this development should not be approved.

Re: Development Application SSD-71687208
618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North

I strongly oppose the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd and 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North, for the following reasons:

Background and Strategic Context

The site is located within the Mowbray Precinct, which was rezoned in 2010 for high-density residential development. A 2011 rezoning review, conducted by the NSW Department of Planning and Lane Cove Council, recognised the need for a larger neighbourhood centre in the precinct to support the anticipated population growth. Despite now housing 2,700 residents across 1,500 dwellings, the precinct lacks essential amenities and has even seen a reduction in retail space since rezoning.

This site represents the last viable opportunity to deliver the neighbourhood centre envisioned in the precinct’s masterplan. Furthermore, the NSW Housing Minister previously committed to providing shops and services at this location, a promise this proposal blatantly disregards.

Key Concerns

1. Design and Urban Form

• The height and mass of the building will overshadow the Mindarie Park playground, reducing its usability.
• The L-shaped design creates a dead-end, overshadowed area that is both unsafe and unappealing.
• The proposal isolates the site from neighbouring properties, creating a disjointed streetscape along Mindarie Street and leaving an unwelcome gap at the intersection of Mindarie and Hatfield Streets.
• Overshadowing of Mindarie Park further detracts from the liveability of the precinct.
• The development lacks family-friendly features, with insufficient numbers of two- and three-bedroom apartments, and a notable absence of bathtubs.

2. Infrastructure Deficiencies

• Retail amenities in the precinct are grossly inadequate, with only two small shops serving 2,700 residents.
• Basic infrastructure remains incomplete despite the precinct’s growth, including:
• Bus shelters
• Shared pedestrian and cycling paths
• Accessible ramps on the Epping Road pedestrian bridge
• Pedestrian safety upgrades on Centennial Avenue

3. Social Impact

• While social housing offers some benefits, it comes at a significant cost to the broader community.
• Existing social housing in the area is poorly maintained, reflecting a lack of ongoing oversight.
• Social housing developments in the area have contributed to increased crime and antisocial behaviour.
• The precinct lacks vital “third places” – shared spaces for social interaction beyond homes and workplaces.
• This proposal fails to provide the social infrastructure necessary to foster community cohesion and well-being.

4. Construction and School Safety

• The site is directly opposite a primary school, raising significant safety concerns.
• The Mowbray Road shared path is heavily used by children walking, cycling, and scooting to school.
• To protect these children, the Construction Traffic Management Plan must prohibit heavy vehicle movements during school drop-off and pick-up times.

5. Process Concerns

• A clear conflict of interest exists, as the NSW Government is both the applicant and the consent authority.
• Community consultation has been insufficient, delayed, and dismissive of resident concerns.
• The request for exemption from Section 7.11 contributions is unacceptable given the significant infrastructure gaps in the precinct.

Recommendations

1. Independent Oversight: The application should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission for a fair and impartial review.
2. Neighbourhood Centre: The development must incorporate the promised neighbourhood centre, including retail and service spaces to meet community needs.
3. Improved Design: Building design must eliminate overshadowing, unsafe spaces, and poor integration with surrounding properties.
4. Strata Ownership: Strata ownership should be required to ensure proper building maintenance and accountability.
5. Infrastructure Contributions: Section 7.11 contributions must be mandated to address the precinct’s critical infrastructure gaps.
6. Family-Friendly Housing: The housing mix should prioritise family-friendly features, including more two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Conclusion

The current proposal fails to align with strategic planning objectives, disregards the needs of the local community, and squanders a rare opportunity to create a vibrant and liveable precinct. Without significant modifications to address these shortcomings, this development should not be approved.

I strongly object to the proposed project, as it shows a significant disregard for the needs of existing residents. The development lacks essential amenities that would support and enhance the quality of life for those who already live in the area, leaving current residents to bear the burden of inadequate facilities. Additionally, the lack of reliable public transportation is a serious oversight, forcing residents to rely on limited, inefficient options that do not meet their daily needs. This project, as it stands, will only exacerbate the struggles of the community rather than contribute to its growth and wellbeing.

I emphatically oppose the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie
Street Lane Cove North. The development application is entirely inadequate, missing vital
information about the strategic planning context for the precinct and generally doesn’t
address the environmental and social impact of the development on the local community.
The NSW Government is also the applicant and consent authority for this development, this
conflict of interest is indefensible and untenable. This application should be immediately
referred to the Independent Planning Commission to have any appearance of procedural
fairness.

I emphatically oppose the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie
Street Lane Cove North. The development application is entirely inadequate, missing vital
information about the strategic planning context for the precinct and generally doesn’t
address the environmental and social impact of the development on the local community.
The NSW Government is also the applicant and consent authority for this development, this
conflict of interest is indefensible and untenable. This application should be immediately
referred to the Independent Planning Commission to have any appearance of procedural
fairness.

While the development of social housing may benefit a minority of people that need access
to affordable housing, the development also has significant social impacts on the broader
Lane Cove North community. Given this is the last development site within the precinct the
social impacts are significant.
This high-density precinct has very limited third spaces for the community to meet and
socialise outside their homes. Without a recognisable neighbourhood centre there is no
identifiable “place” in the Mowbray Precinct. While Mindarie Park is a great community asset,
a playground doesn’t create an inclusive public space for people of all ages, and only
provides a limited range of social activities. Residents have said they feel uncomfortable in
the park with so many children, some say they feel like a paedophile and unwelcome in the
park. We need a range of public spaces to provide places for a range of social activity that
allows people to gather and build community, trust and social cohesion. This is particularly
important in a community that has so many social housing residents with a diverse
background and different socio-economic status. I think this is a key reason there is so much
distrust and community opposition to this development, there is a noticeable lack of public
spaces for our community to meet and build social connections with their neighbours.

Our neighbourhood has several social housing properties and our experience with these
residents has not been positive. I have witnessed residents from our neighbouring social
housing estate stealing property from our building and vandalising my bicycle. We also often
experience anti-social behaviour including abusive language, drunkenness, and drug use in
public places, garbage dumping, and poorly maintained properties.

The history of planning in the Mowbray Precinct, from the questionable rezoning by the State
Government, to the subsequent failures of the NSW Government and Lane Cove Council to
secure the social and economic infrastructure this community needs, is completely
unacceptable. How can a precinct that is home to 2,700 residents have only two small
shops, one bus shelter, and an unfinished shared path. This applicant is hiding behind social
housing as an excuse to railroad the community, avoid the planning outcomes endorsed in
the masterplan, and damage our social and built environment. Their use of social housing to
avoid the core principles of the planning system is completely unacceptable. While the
Housing Minister remains silent on her election commitment, and there is no mechanism to
deliver the neighbourhood centre as planned in the masterplan, this development application
should be categorically rejected

* : Development Application SSD-71687208
618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North

I strongly oppose the proposed development at 618-624 Mowbray Rd & 25-29 Mindarie Street, Lane Cove North, for the following reasons:

Background and Strategic Context
The site is part of the Mowbray Precinct, rezoned in 2010 for high-density residential development. A 2011 rezoning review prepared by the NSW Department of Planning and Lane Cove Council endorsed the need for a larger neighbourhood centre in the precinct to support the increased population density. Despite housing 2,700 residents in 1,500 dwellings, the precinct lacks essential amenities and has actually lost retail space since rezoning.

This site represents the last opportunity to deliver the neighbourhood centre promised in the precinct masterplan. The NSW Housing Minister made an election commitment to provide shops and services at this location, which has been ignored in this proposal.

Key Concerns

1. Design and Urban Form
- The building's height and mass will overshadow the Mindarie Park playground
- The L-shaped design creates an unsafe, overshadowed dead-end space behind the building
- The development poorly addresses Mindarie Street, it's isolated from neighbouring properties, creates an unwelcome gap in the streetscape, poorly addresses the intersection of Mindarie and Hatfield Streets, and overshadows Mindarie Park
- The proposal lacks family-friendly features, including insufficient two and three-bedroom apartments and bathtubs

2. Infrastructure Deficiencies
- The precinct lacks adequate retail spaces, with only two small shops serving 2,700 residents
- Basic infrastructure remains incomplete, including:
* Bus sheltersCompleted shared paths
* Accessible ramps on the Epping Road pedestrian bridge
* Pedestrian safety improvements on Centennial Avenue

3. Social Impact
- Social housing provides a benefit to a small number of people at a significant cost to the community
- Existing social housing buildings in the area are poorly maintained
- Social housing has caused crime and antisocial behaviour in our community
- The area lacks "third places" for social interaction outside homes
- The development fails to make a positive contribution to the social infrastructure this community needs

4. Construction and School Safety
- The construction site is located directly opposite a primary school
- The Mowbray Road shared path is busy with children walking, cycling, and scooting to school
- For the safety of these children the Construction Traffic Management Plan should prohibit heavy vehicle movements during school drop off and pick up times

5. Process Concerns
- There is a clear conflict of interest as the NSW Government is both applicant and consent authority
- Community engagement has been late, inadequate, and dismissive
- The request for exemption from Section 7.11 contributions is unjustified given the infrastructure gaps

Recommendations
1. The application should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission
2. The development should incorporate the promised neighbourhood centre with retail spaces
3. Building design should be modified to eliminate overshadowing and unsafe spaces
4. Strata ownership should be required to ensure the building is well maintained
5. Section 7.11 contributions should be required to fund missing infrastructure
6. More family-suitable housing should be included in the mix

The current proposal fails to meet strategic planning objectives, ignores community needs, and misses a crucial opportunity to create a liveable, vibrant precinct. Without significant modifications to address these issues, this development should not be approved