Mowbray Road, Lane Cove North, Affordable Housing

I strongly oppose the proposed project due to its significant disregard for the needs of current residents. The development lacks essential amenities, which are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for those already in the area. With residents facing inadequate facilities, this project risks exacerbating existing struggles rather than fostering community growth and wellbeing.

Specifically, the inclusion of shops in the redevelopment of the site at 25-29 Mindarie Street is vital. Currently, residents must travel to the other side of Lane Cove or to Chatswood or Macquarie Centre for basic necessities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical services. As the council considers approving more residences, the demand for local amenities becomes increasingly urgent.

Additionally, the developers’ assertion that most residents will be single older women without vehicles raises a critical issue. How will these residents access groceries, medical care, or prescriptions without sufficient transportation options? Providing housing alone is insufficient; a true home requires a sense of community. A local shopping precinct would not only meet essential needs but also foster connections among residents, creating a sense of belonging and vibrancy in the neighborhood.

This project, as it currently stands, raises numerous concerns about its suitability, potential impact on the neighbourhood, and whether it truly addresses Lane Cove’s needs. In my opinion, this development is poorly suited to our family-friendly community and fails to address critical areas such as transport infrastructure, community involvement, and proper support for residents.

Parking is a major concern. With only half the units being allocated even a single car space, this will result in more cars parking on the already congested streets, which is a safety risk around nearby high populated children’s facilities. Assuming that residents won’t have cars because of their income level is unrealistic. Given limited public transport options, car ownership will be a necessity.

Speaking of transport, the area’s public transportation options are minimal and unreliable, served only by two frequently cancelled bus routes. There are no train, metro, or ferry options nearby. Increasing the number of residents here without addressing these gaps will put even more strain on an already stretched system, making it challenging for residents to access work and essential services. There are no transport upgrades planned, no provisions to ensure parking-free units won’t go to car owners, and no initiatives to support community engagement for new residents. This lack of forward planning suggests an underestimation of the project’s effects on the local community.

Additionally, this project appears to be focused on social and low-income housing rather than affordable housing which is designed to support key workers who may eventually become homeowners within our community. Social housing generally comes with income limits, creating barriers to residents’ long-term integration and stability in the area.

The development's structure is also concerning. A 50/50 mix of social and affordable housing is far higher than comparable projects, which usually limit social housing to around 20%. This lower percentage has been shown to be more effective for resident integration. A 20% allocation would better support community cohesion.

Alternatively, as having worked in the real estate industry for more than 20 years, I can confirm this valuable land could be sold to a developer for a considerable profit, with proceeds directed toward a larger housing project in an area with better transit links and job access.

If this site remains designated for government housing, it would be more appropriate as key worker housing, especially given the proximity to essential services such as the Mater Hospital and Royal North Shore. Key worker housing here would allow essential workers to live near their jobs, fully integrate into the community, and benefit Lane Cove as a whole.

I strongly urge that this proposal be reconsidered or relocated to align better with the needs of Lane Cove and its residents.

Lane Cove North is in dire need of commercial spaces like a shop a to buy basic needs like milk, eggs or bread! The nearest option is Canopy which is nearly 2km away! The information given in some reports is false as in Artarmon station is at the doorstep when in fact its 2.5 km away from this site. We have raised concerns and objections at different forums and council meetings but all have been ignored and brushed under the carpet! Lane Cove North should first be equipped with walking distance facilities and then more homes should be thought of!

I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the proposed housing development on Mowbray Road West. The current design raises multiple concerns about its practicality, potential impact on the community, and whether it genuinely meets Lane Cove's needs. This development, in my view, is not well-suited for a family-oriented area like ours and lacks solutions for critical issues such as transportation, community integration, and resident support.

One major issue is the project’s portrayal as “affordable housing.” This description is misleading since the development is geared toward social and low-income housing rather than housing for key workers. True affordable housing typically provides a stepping stone for workers who may one day purchase homes in the community. However, social housing imposes strict income limits, which make it difficult for residents to eventually move out and fully integrate into the area.

The planned parking facilities are another significant concern. With only 42 spaces for 86 units, many residents will inevitably have to park on already crowded streets, which could create additional safety hazards near local schools, playgrounds, and sports fields. It’s unrealistic to assume that residents will not own vehicles simply due to lower incomes. Second-hand vehicles are affordable, and with limited public transportation options, many residents may rely on cars out of necessity.

Transportation issues add to the problem. The area is served by just two bus routes, both of which are often unreliable due to frequent cancellations. There are no nearby alternatives like train, metro, or ferry services, making it impractical to expect residents to depend on the current public transport infrastructure. The extra demand from this development will strain an already overstretched system, further limiting access to employment and essential services for residents.

In addition, there’s a troubling lack of guarantees or commitments to address these concerns. No upgrades to transport are promised, no provisions ensure car-free units won’t be assigned to residents with vehicles, and no plans for community engagement or ongoing resident support have been put in place. This lack of foresight demonstrates an underestimation of the development’s potential impact on the existing community and its future residents.

The proposed structure of the project is also questionable. A 50/50 split between social and affordable housing is unusual, as other similar projects in the area generally limit social housing to about 20%. Evidence suggests that lower ratios are more effective in helping residents integrate and eventually transition out of government support. Reducing the social housing allocation to 20% would be a more balanced approach that fosters better community integration.

Alternatively, I suggest selling this high-value land to a developer, as its worth has likely increased significantly since purchase. The proceeds could fund a larger housing project in a more suitable location with better access to transportation and employment hubs. This would serve a broader range of community needs and allow for better integration.

If the site must remain designated for government housing, a development specifically for key workers would make far more sense. With essential services like the Lower North Shore Command, Mater Hospital, and Royal North Shore nearby, this location would be ideal for housing key workers who contribute to the community and could integrate fully without income restrictions. The Minns government has allocated substantial funds for key worker housing, and placing such a project here would benefit both the community and the workforce.

For these reasons, I urge a comprehensive revaluation of this project. It should be adjusted to better reflect the needs and values of the Lane Cove community or reallocated to a location that is better suited to support its future residents.

I have significant concerns about the feasibility of the proposed housing project on Mowbray Road West and are therefore opposed to this development going ahead.
- I am extremely concerned that less than half of the apartments will have even 1 car space. 42 car spaces is not enough for 86 apartments. The argument that these individuals won’t be able to afford a car is absurd as cars can be purchased second hand at a low cost and they may have no choice given there are no reliable transportation options near this complex. Having them all park on the street will increase congestion in the area and cause serious risk (due to the lack of visibility) to the surrounding playgrounds, sporting fields, day care and primary school.
- The lack of transportation in this area is a huge concern, there are 2 unreliable bus routes that go through the area and that is it. There is no ferry, metro or train. As there is extremely minimal employment opportunities nearby, how are these individuals going to find employment or commute to their employment?
- I don’t believe the correct terminology has been used around this project. Affordable housing is for key workers not low-incoming households for individuals that haven’t been able to transition out of the program. Given that Lane Cove is a family-centred area, active community participation is essential, yet I find it difficult to envision how this will be accomplished.
- I don’t understand why this block is being constructed as 50% social housing and 50% affordable housing, when other such blocks in the area are comprised of 20% maximum. This allows for better integration into society and progressing the movement out of the government funded program, allowing more space for individuals that require temporary assistance. Blocks that have 100% these sorts of dwellings, have never previously had good success rates with community integration. I would propose 20% is allocated and that is all.
- I have worked in the real estate industry on the Lower North Shore for over 10 years and I can confirm the value of these blocks would have gone up significantly since they were originally purchased and can be sold to a developer for a large sum. I can arrange a developer to provide you with a detailed appraisal on this sites worth if desired. This sum could be used to build double if not triple the amount of dwellings on another block in a slight cheaper and more convenient location. We are also surrounded by booming business precincts and transport hubs in nearby suburbs such as St Leonards, Chatswood, North Sydney & Ryde, I fail to see why these locations would not be the preference.

I hold serious concerns around the viability of the housing project proposed to Mowbray Road West.
-I believe people are being mislead by the terms used for this housing project. This is not affordable housing this is social and low-income housing. Affordable housing is designed to be for key workers or people employed with sights on transitioning into the local community through future purchasing opportunities. Low-income housing restricts resident income with the result that the individuals housed here will never be able to transition out of the program. Lane Cove being such a family centred area it is crucial we have active community participation and I struggle to see how this will be achieved.
-The make up of the proposed building seriously undervalues parking spaces. I am a local resident and in the last 3 years my car when parked on the street has been hit causing serious damage both times. With the very minimal parking spaces it is very likely that it will increase street parking in an already congested area further heightening an already high-risk road environment outside the school and childcare centre.
-There is a serious lack of worthwhile public transport in the area. the 292 and 533 bus have daily cancellations and are unreliable unless you have time to sit and wait for the next service. With the lack of parking it is reasonably expected this will force more people onto public transport in an area where it is already under funded and under pressure. Please refer to NSW Bus Industry Taskforce, The Forgotten Mode: A call to action for buses.
-I also have concerns around some of the rebuts I have received when these concerns were raised previously. There is no commitment to guarantee network upgrades to the public transport network. There is no ability to guarantee units without car spots won’t be allocated to residents without cars. There is no ability to guarantee further community engagement and future opportunities for the residents.

-I have two alternative suggestions which are this land which is incredibly highly valued should be sold on and the money made used to develop opportunities in an area that can maximise the returns. The current proposal undervalues the full abilities of the current regulations by under building what is legally allowed to be built there in a weak attempt to pacify residents into thinking it's not as bad as it could be. This just hurts the system it is coming in to try and fix whilst also straining an area that is one of the last suburbs with any real proximity to the city available to young families to purchase in. Secondly, if this location must be kept as a government housing project why is it not a dedicated key worker housing project? The Minns government has allocated over $400 Million for this statewide scheme and in an area with the Lower North Shore Command, Mater Hospital, Royal North Shore and countless other emergency service providers would this location not be a perfect opportunity for these employees. This goes back to my first point in that we are being mislead in that these employees count under affordable housing which is just not true. These are people we want to attract to our suburb due to their skillset and proximity to employment opportunities and they will have the ability to transition into the community fully through their employment whilst not being restricted on their maximum income. The current proposal does not allow this as it is a proposed low-income project.

Objection to Planning Application SSD-71687208

I am writing to formally object to the planning application referenced above, which proposes the development of affordable housing and infrastructure at 618-624 Mowbray Rd Lane Cove North. My objection is based on concerns regarding the over-density of the proposed development and its potential negative impact on the local area.

1. Over-Density and Strain on Local Infrastructure
The proposed development site is opposite a very popular family park - Mindarie Park. This park is surrounded already by a number of moderate density apartment complexes. The proposed new development would add additional traffic to an already congested area add additional safety concerns to those families using the park, often with children and prams. Speed humps have already been recently added to reduce traffic speed, adding more cars will only add to the safety concern.

2. Negative Impact on the Character of the Area
The over-density of the proposed development would fundamentally alter the character of the neighborhood. This area is currently surrounded by family homes and the introduction of a number of single bedroom residential units would be out of scale with the surrounding environment.

3. Infrastructure Required
The increased number of apartment complexes in Lane Cove North is not aligned to the required road infrastructure and amenities. This site would be better placed for a small group of shops with some additional parking for both the park and new amenities, specifically a cafe, chemist and basic grocery needs.


For the reasons outlined above, I urge the council to reconsider this planning application and reject it on the grounds of over-density and not aligned with the needs of the community. I would appreciate the opportunity to be involved in any future consultations and to provide further feedback if required.

Thank you for considering my concerns.

I have lived here for the past 2 years. Already there was significant development across the road which meant we were subjected to construction noise and road blockages and delays exiting the street. The area is already extremely built up and dense without appropriate infrastructure to support this new development. Travel times along Mowbray road are already significant. This will create further congestion in an already congested area. There is limited green space around my building. This development will remove the remaining trees surrounding the property and will impact on my peace and privacy as a resident. Already my neighbour has moved due to the impact this will have on our building. I do not want to be forced to move to maintain acceptable noise levels in my apartment and to avoid even more congestion on the roads. I moved here because it was less densely populated than other areas and 2 major residential developments within 2 years is completely unacceptable. Please consider the existing residents and their right to decent quality of life. I am very much opposed the proposal. It should not proceed.

There are many government housing in the area that are not maintained properly. For example, the corner of Mowbray and Willandra, the corner of Willandra and Mindarie. The government needs to provide sufficient public transport, sufficient basic amenities such as a small supermarket and chemist around the area. There are also not enough street parking spaces in comparison to the amount of housings in the area. Please consider all the above and make amends to the project.

I strongly object to the proposed project, it shows a significant disregard for the needs of existing residents. The development lacks essential amenities that is sorely needed in the local area and 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. This project, as it stands, will only exacerbate the struggles of the community rather than contribute to its growth and wellbeing. Strongly recommend that it is only approved with ammenities guaranteed in the building with a minimal requirement of a grocery

Dear Sir/Madam,

As also stated by my partner, I'm writing to object to the proposed re-development at 618-624 Mowbray Road Lane Cove North (Ref: D24/2131457).

I'm a nearby resident to the proposed re-development and also work in a high-level role within the Northern Sydney Local Health District.

I have hand first experience of the extent of changes Northern Sydney Local Health District have implemented in recent years based on the premise that the majority of residents on the Lower North Shore are "affluent and have private health insurance". Examples include:
Private ownership of the Northern Beaches Hospital
NO more public Inpatient Rehabilitation beds on the Lower North Shore

Residents that occupy social and affordable housing have chronic and complex healthcare needs, and generally don't have private health insurance.
Therefore, with Northern Sydney Local Health District (especially Royal North Shore Hospital) geared towards servicing an affluent population with private health insurance, they will in no way be able to cope with the increased demands that an additional 86 social and affordable dwellings will place on them.
This size and scale of this project needs to be seriously discussed with Northern Sydney Local Health District who will be completely unprepared if it were to proceed.

One solution to the above would be a significant reduction in the size and scale of the proposed re-development (far less dwellings).

Furthermore, there already exists a large social and affordable housing complex at 562 Mowbray Road Lane Cover North. The police attend this complex on an almost daily basis. It would be completely unsafe for this to also be the case at 618-624 Mowbray Road Lane Cove North as it is opposite Mowbray Public School, who's parents and students walk past the proposed site to get to and from school. The safety of these parents and children could be placed at significant risk by the criminal behaviour that occurs in social and affordable housing.
Also, there are currently 4 high density apartment complexes being built in nearby Mindarie Street. Therefore, it questionable whether the surrounding infrastructure and Mowbray Public School has capacity to cope with the additional residents that this re-development would bring.

There are also a number of existing run-down smaller social and affordable dwellings nearby that could be upsized and redeveloped with less risk to safety of parents and students at Mowbray Public School

Finally, there is a significant risk that the proposed re-development could seriously reduce the value of surrounding properties, which would be a completely unfair outcome in what is already a cost of living and housing crisis. I'm about to fall off the mortgage cliff and if my apartment was to lose value and be worth less than I paid for it, I would be financially ruined and have to apply to for social and affordable housing myself.

I hope that you take all of these concerns, and those of other people, into consideration before proceeding with this re-development.

A much smaller and scaled-down project seems far more appropriate.

Kind regards,

I object to the proposed governmental public housing project close to my apartment. Lane Cove North already has such housing, and I believe the government should consider using areas like Lane Cove or Lane Cove West instead.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I'm writing to make a submission to object the proposed re-development at 618-624 Mowbray Road Lane Cove North (Application No SSD-71687208).

I'm a nearby resident to the proposed re-development and also work in a high-level role within the Northern Sydney Local Health District.

I have hand first experience of the extent of changes Northern Sydney Local Health District have implemented in recent years based on the premise that the majority of residents on the Lower North Shore are "affluent and have private health insurance". Examples include:
Private ownership of the Northern Beaches Hospital
NO more public Inpatient Rehabilitation beds on the Lower North Shore

Residents that occupy social and affordable housing have chronic and complex healthcare needs, and generally don't have private health insurance.
Therefore, with Northern Sydney Local Health District (especially Royal North Shore Hospital) geared towards servicing an affluent population with private health insurance, they will in no way be able to cope with the increased demands that an additional 86 social and affordable dwellings will place on them.
This size and scale of this project needs to be seriously discussed with Northern Sydney Local Health District who will be completely unprepared if it were to proceed.

One solution to the above would be a significant reduction in the size and scale of the proposed re-development (far less dwellings).

Furthermore, there already exists a large social and affordable housing complex at 562 Mowbray Road Lane Cover North. The police attend this complex on an almost daily basis. It would be completely unsafe for this to also be the case at 618-624 Mowbray Road Lane Cove North as it is opposite Mowbray Public School, whose parents and students walk past the proposed site to get to and from school. The safety of these parents and children could be placed at significant risk by the criminal behaviour that occurs in social and affordable housing.
Also, there are currently 4 high density apartment complexes being built in nearby Mindarie Street. Therefore, it questionable whether the surrounding infrastructure and Mowbray Public School has capacity to cope with the additional residents that this re-development would bring.

There are also a number of existing run-down smaller social and affordable dwellings nearby that could be upsized and redeveloped with less risk to safety of parents and students at Mowbray Public School

Finally, there is a significant risk that the proposed re-development could seriously reduce the value of surrounding properties, which would be a completely unfair outcome in what is already a cost of living and housing crisis. I'm about to fall off the mortgage cliff and if my apartment was to lose value and be worth less than I paid for it, I would be financially ruined and have to apply to for social and affordable housing myself.

I hope that you take all of these concerns, and those of other people, into consideration before proceeding with this re-development.

A much smaller and scaled-down project seems far more appropriate.

Kind regards,

This project is not appropriately situated, and the allocation for social housing is disproportionately high for our community. While I strongly support social and affordable housing, the way this project is being planned raises significant concerns. North Lane Cove already has a high concentration of social housing, and adding this development will place further strain on our local infrastructure.

Moreover, there appears to be inconsistency in the project’s details. In multiple meetings, it was stated that this development would primarily house elderly women. However, the official documentation contradicts this, which is troubling for residents who have participated in discussions under that assumption.

Our community in North Lane Cove currently lacks essential facilities to support an increasing population, such as a shopping district, medical center, and other key amenities. If this project is to proceed, it must include provisions for these facilities to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Please understand that this feedback reflects the concerns of a substantial number of North Lane Cove residents. We urge you to consider this input seriously.

I am writing to formally object to the proposal for the new social housing development along Mowbray Road. There are numerous concerns associated with this project that I believe have not been fully considered and that would have a significant impact on our community.

Lane Cove North already has multiple social housing blocks and units along Mowbray Road, and additional developments of this kind do not address the community’s actual needs. Instead, what Lane Cove North truly needs are more shops, cafes, and other community-oriented spaces that help build a vibrant and connected neighborhood. The current proposal risks moving the area further away from achieving this goal and ignores the specific needs of local residents.

Limited Access to Essential Amenities:
Our area currently lacks sufficient amenities that foster community cohesion, such as cafes, retail shops, and recreational spaces. Adding more social housing without enhancing community facilities limits opportunities for residents to engage and form connections, which are essential to a healthy community atmosphere.

Impact on Local Property Values and Appeal:
An increase in social housing developments can have a stabilizing or downward effect on local property values, which affects existing homeowners and reduces the overall appeal of Lane Cove North as an attractive residential area. With a more balanced development plan, the community could benefit from an increase in property value and a greater appeal to diverse residents.

Potential Safety Concerns and Community Integration Challenges:
The addition of high-density social housing without sufficient support structures and integration programs may disrupt the existing community’s sense of safety and cohesion. Community integration should be prioritized to ensure that all residents feel welcomed and that the development does not inadvertently create divisions within the neighborhood. Additionally, the current housing situation on Mowbray Rd is concerning enough. There are frequent police units in and out of the housing units. This project seems that this will be adding to the problem.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed community housing development in Lane Cove. The current proposal does not take into account the concerns of the existing community, particularly in terms of safety, amenities, and public infrastructure.

The development plan appears to lack the essential facilities needed to support both current and future residents. It places an unfair burden on the existing community, which already faces a shortage of adequate amenities and resources. Rather than enhancing the quality of life, this project risks further straining limited community facilities and services.

Moreover, the lack of reliable public transportation options poses a significant challenge. Residents will be forced to rely on inefficient and limited transport alternatives, which do not meet the daily needs of the community. This shortfall will only compound existing issues and make day-to-day life more challenging for everyone in the area.

It is concerning that the development process has not adequately involved or listened to community feedback. A project of this scale should prioritize the voices and needs of current residents, ensuring it is designed to enhance, not hinder, community wellbeing.
The Community Drop-In Session was misleading, there was low attendance as details of the meeting were only distributed to a limited number of buildings surrounding the proposed development. All the community concerns presented have been rejected.

I urge you to reconsider this project and engage meaningfully with residents to develop a solution that truly benefits Lane Cove.

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.

There is no enough infrastructure to support the project. It'll also create a lot of nuisance in the locality. This project is also politically motivated.

I strongly object to the proposed project, as it shows high disregard to the needs of the existing residents around the area. Lane Cove North is already over-crowded with appartments and developments without the matching infrastructure for roads and facilities for the current residents. The roads around Mindarie park are already crowded with accidents waiting to happen due to over crowding. The lack of adequate public transport is also a significant concern and adding new 80 residents is only going to worsen it. The project does not contribute to the well-being of the current residents in any form instead making the already congested area worse without sufficient infrastructure.

It will not contribute to the growth under the current arrangements in the area. Council has done no significant or relevant development to aid the increasing construction of units and it will only add to the already stretched facilities. I strongly oppose to this project and am in favour of a commercial food or similar complex in that area instead.