Novus on Victoria, Chatswood - Build-to-Rent

1. This project will greatly increase the population in Chatswood, this will greatly worsen the already heavy traffic condition which we are having at moment

2. Metro View Sunlight Access Failure and Overshadowing
Unit on level 5-31 will have little or no direct sunlight. This contravenes Objective 4A-1 of the Apartment Design Guide (ADG), which requires 70% of dwellings receive a minimum of 2 hrs of direct sunlight to living rooms and private open spaces between 9am-3pm during mid-winter.East facing resident reply in morning sun for thermal benefit, reduced sunlight will affect this.

3. Conflict with E2 Zoning Objectives - This site is zoned E2 - commercial centre under the Willoughby LEP 2012. The overwhelming dominance of build-to-rent apartments in this project directly undermines the zone's primary objectives, which is to promote employment, retail growth and active economic land uses.

4. Waste truck can't access Post Office Lane - this project proposes long-term reliance on smaller private SRVs. This workaround is operationally fragile and logistically uncertain, and not aligned with Council's standard waste service protocols. It also risks traffic conflict with pedestrians and service vehicles.

As a resident of Chatswood for 15 years my concerns and objections to the development are as follows:

Impact on Chatswood Mall:
The size of the building is out of proportion with the streetscape and significantly higher than surrounding buildings in Chatswood Mall, with 46 storeys and 260 apartments. This will overshadow Chatswood Mall which is such a vibrant public space.

Increased and poorly managed traffic on Victor Street and danger to pedestrians on Post office lane:
There is already serious traffic congestion in this area (intersection of Albert, Victor St) many days of the week especially peak hours.
Post office lane is also a popular thoroughfare for pedestrians including station users and school students at most times of the day. Chatswood Mall hosts a market three days a week from Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm.
Such a large development, in the heart of Chatswood will further increase the traffic congestion into Chatswood, rather than diverting traffic away. Even if the future residents are not using their car, the increase of ride share and delivery services to this cul de sac, will add to this traffic as well as pose a danger to pedestrians, especially elderly and school children.

Increased vehicles parked in shopping centres and surrounding streets:
It is unrealistically ambitious for such a large development to provide only 8 car spaces, 1 disability car space and 1 motorbike space to support 260 apartments and 2 levels of shops.
While the convenient location encourages residents to use public transport, in reality, many households still have cars. It seems like a cost cutting and convenient way for the developer to offload the responsibility of parking onto the surrounding shopping carparks and streets instead of considering solutions for themselves. The surrounding shopping centre car parks are at full capacity on weekends. Future residents will need to park 200+ cars, about 20 mins walk away to look for all day parking, in surrounding streets that local residents have paid council rates to maintain.

Increased enrolments in two public schools which are already past capacity:
Although the apartments are in majority studios, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, this will not stop families moving into Chatswood, due to its liveability. It will put further pressure on the two public schools (Chatswood Public School and Chatswood High School). Chatswood High is already the second most populated school in NSW with approximately 2000 students. Disappointingly, the NSW government has cancelled plans for two proposed schools in Chatswood and St Leonards in the area based on the census of 2021 which was during Covid lockdowns, and not representative of the population as it is now.
The two schools are already struggling to accommodate the population we have now and will lead to under resourcing for its students.

I understand that new developments are necessary, and I don’t oppose build to rent. However this proposed design is excessive and would be better scaled down and in a different location.

Therefore, I do not support this development which I think will will further exacerbate the problems in the area, as the location is already at capacity and cannot support more residents without better government planning of roads and schools.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my concerns.

OBJECTION TO DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL - 260 APARTMENT BUILDING, VICTORIA STREET, CHATSWOOD
I am a resident of the Sebel Suites building and formally object to this proposed development on the following grounds:
INADEQUATE PARKING AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION
The proposal includes only 8 car spaces for 260 apartments - approximately 1 space per 32.5 units. This will force residents onto surrounding streets for parking and significantly increase traffic on Victoria Street to accommodate 260 new apartments. The additional Uber rides, taxis, and general pickup/drop-off activities will worsen congestion on this one-way street.
Victoria Street already experiences major congestion due to proximity to Mandarin Shopping Centre and Westfield Shopping Centre. Adding 260 apartments without adequate parking will create gridlock and severely impact existing residents' quality of life.
CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
The proposed construction hours until 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays will cause prolonged noise and disruption to residents in surrounding buildings, including the Sebel Suites. These extended hours are unreasonable for a high-density residential area.
AMENITY IMPACTS
The height and positioning of this development will block natural light to the Sebel Suites hotel, reducing amenity for existing residents and potentially affecting property values.
CONCLUSION
This development proposes an unrealistic parking ratio, will exacerbate existing traffic problems, subject residents to excessive construction noise, and diminish amenity through light obstruction. The cumulative impact on the local area and existing residents is unacceptable.

I am a resident of the Sebel building at 37 Victor Street in Chatswood.

I strongly object to this development for the following reasons:

TRAFFIC
1. Victor Street and Post Office Lane are very small and tight streets. Victor Street sees constant traffic and it is alredy extremely difficult to get in and out out onto Albert Avenue - largely due to the traffic from Mandarin Shopping Centre. With 260 new apartments and multiple dwellers per apartment, it is only reasonable to predict that there will be a significant increase in traffic (e.g. Uber, friends coming and going, deliveries, removalists, etc.) It is incresibly naive to think that just because the proposal only provides 8 parking spaces that there will only be 9 cars owned in the building. Wheer are the rest of the cars going ot be parked???

CONSTRUCTION
Where are all the construction vehicles going to park? Are they all going to enter and exit via the already congest Victor Street which also has a lot of traffic coming and going from Mandarin Centre.

Construction is proposed from 7 AM to 6 PM for 7 days per week. This is a far too long construction day and will greatly affect the peace and quiet enjoyment of the neighbouring properties.

LIGHT
The 46 storey apartment will tower over the Sebel building at 37 Victor Street (which is only 28 stories tall) and block out a lot of the Northern light to my apartment in the Sebel building.

For the reasons mentioned below, I oppose the proposed Novus development at Victoria Avenue in Chatswood (Novus on Victoria). As a resident of the Sebel Residence, Chatswood (the Sebel), the proposed development is detrimental to the character of Chatswood and affects residents in neighbouring buildings in a negative way.

1. Traffic congestion
Traffic congestion around Victor Street is already a serious concern, and the problem will only get worse if the Novus development is introduced at the proposed site. There are already so many cars going through the part of Victor St between Mandarin Centre and Post Office Lane. This is a very small road, and it is difficult for residents of neighbouring properties (such as the Sebel on 37 Victor St and the building on 39 Victor St) to get out, because traffic congestion on Victor St is very common. There is lot of people walking across Victor St during peak hours and weekends. This part of Victor St will be extremely crowded with cars if a new large-scale development is introduced at the proposed site. This will cause a lot of inconvenience and frustration for both residents nearby and those who drive to Mandarin Centre.

2. Loss of privacy
Loss of privacy is a serious concern for residents on the north-facing side of the Sebel and at neighbouring properties. Hundreds of new occupants on the south-facing apartments in a new building at the proposed location will have an unobstructed view of the north-facing apartments of the Sebel at a close distance. It is foreseeable that someone from the new building will be able to see inside the Sebel apartments. This is a serious intrusion of privacy for residents of the Sebel. This is unprecedented as other residential buildings have been much further away from the Sebel.
Residents from other properties nearby will also face a similar intrusion to their privacy.
This development is unacceptable as it is detrimental to the quality of life of existing residents living in the surrounding buildings.

3. Loss of view and sunlight
The proposed development will also block out the view and sunlight that existing residents in neighbouring buildings enjoy. For example, those on the north-facing apartments of the Sebel will get to see an extremely large and tall building directly in front of them every day. Furthermore, residents in neighbouring buildings will have to endure extensive periods of overshadowing, especially during winter, and loss of sunlight. Loss of view and sunlight is detrimental to the amenity for residents nearby.

4. Negative impact on the character of Chatswood
The proposed development overwhelms surrounding areas and reduces the aesthetic quality of Chatswood as a beautiful place that is family-friendly and enjoyable to live in. It is out of scale with the local streetscape and makes the area adjacent to Mandarin Centre and Westfield very crowded and extremely dense. Overcrowding around this area reduces the quality of life for residents nearby and weakens the appeal of Chatswood both as a place to live in and a place to visit. Having a large-scale development such as Novus at the proposed site is visually unappealing and diminishes the family-friendly quality of Chatswood.

The proposed Novus development is overall a negative development for Chatswood. Therefore, it should be rejected.

The project includes excavation works reaching depths of 10 to 12 metres to accommodate three levels of basement. It will present significant geotechnical risks including ground movement, vibration.
The proposed tower will result in substantial overshadowing of the east-facing apartments in the Metro View residential tower. The units will receive little or no direct sunlight.
The proposal doesn’t comply with the recommended 35% deep soil landscaping requirements under the Willoughby DCP.
By replacing potential office or retail space with high-density housing, the proposal erodes the functional role of Chatswood as a commercial hub in Sydney’s North District and causing terrible traffic around the corner.
The tower significantly exceeds height benchmarks and lacks proper podium articulation or public domain activation as outlined in the chatswood CBD strategy.

I would like to put through my objection to this project as Chatswood is a very crowded and over populated suburb with parking, traffics and schooling issues. This Build To Rent project will add more problems to the Chatswood community. It’s not an ideal suburb to build such huge towers in the middle of Chatswood CBD, which is already out of capacity to accommodate the large number of populations in Chatswood and the surrounding suburbs.

I am a resident of the Metro tower and I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed "Novus on Victoria" Build-to-Rent development.

As an existing resident in close proximity to the proposed site, I believe this project will cause significant, irreversible harm to our community and daily lives. My key concerns are as follows:

1. Loss of Sunlight and View
The proposed 46-storey development will block natural light to many units in Metro Tower, particularly those facing east and southeast. The environmental shadow analysis confirms that winter morning sunlight will be significantly reduced. This is not only a breach of solar access principles but also a major reduction in the livability of affected units. The uninterrupted skyline and distant views that many Grand residents enjoy will be completely obstructed, with serious consequences for quality of life and property value.

2. Severe Privacy Invasion
The tower’s scale and proximity would result in direct window-to-window visibility, severely impacting the privacy of Metro Grand residents. High-density, high-turnover Build-to-Rent units facing our building will intrude upon the quiet, residential character we chose to live in.

3. Unbearable Construction Noise, Dust, and Vibration
The development involves excavation of 10–12 meters for multiple basement levels and a prolonged construction timeline. This will bring years of constant noise, dust pollution, ground vibration, and air quality issues, all within a tightly built, highly sensitive urban zone. For residents who work from home or have children or elderly family members, the impact will be devastating.

4. Traffic Congestion and Safety Hazards
The proposed site lies at the narrow, congested junction of Post Office Lane and Victor Street—already overburdened with pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The planned construction traffic and long-term increase in vehicle movements from over 250 new apartments will further compromise pedestrian safety and road functionality, with no clear solution presented in the application.

5. Emotional and Financial Damage
This development, if approved, will directly cause mental distress and financial loss to Metro Grand residents. The deterioration in amenity, privacy, safety, and outlook will devalue our homes and erode our sense of wellbeing and security. This is an unacceptable outcome for a community that has invested in long-term residence and built a stable, peaceful environment.

Conclusion
The scale, form, and intensity of the proposed development are entirely incompatible with the existing residential context. It represents a clear case of overdevelopment, prioritizing investor profit over community wellbeing.

I strongly urge the planning authority to reject this application in its entirety in the interests of protecting existing residents and preserving the long-term sustainability of Chatswood’s city centre.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a resident of Unit 3701 in the Metro Grand building, writing to lodge my strong objection to the proposed Novus on Victoria Build-to-Rent development at 410–416 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood (SSD-63324208).

This development, if approved in its current form, will present serious risks and disruptions to the structural, social, and infrastructural stability of our community.

1. Structural and Foundation Safety Concerns
The proposed project involves deep excavation for three basement levels in close proximity to several existing high-rise buildings, including Metro Grand, Metro View, and Metro Spire.

As a high-floor resident, I am deeply concerned about:

Vibration damage during piling and excavation;

Potential soil destabilisation and differential settlement, especially in an already developed subgrade;

Long-term structural stress and unforeseen underground water impacts.

There is no credible independent assurance that the proposed works won’t affect the foundations of neighbouring towers. The absence of such peer-reviewed evidence is alarming.

2. Public Safety Risk from Transient High-Density Occupancy
This is not just another residential tower — it is a Build-to-Rent project, which means hundreds of short-term tenants with frequent turnover.

This kind of population model, concentrated in a confined urban footprint, raises legitimate concerns around:

Security and surveillance gaps;

Increased noise and behavioural disturbances;

A general erosion of neighbourhood stability and trust, particularly for long-term owner-occupiers like myself.

3. Noise, Dust, and Air Pollution During Construction
Victoria Avenue is a densely used pedestrian and retail corridor, not a construction zone.

The scale and duration of this build will result in:

Continuous high-decibel noise, severely affecting indoor habitability;

Airborne dust and pollution, especially harmful to children and elderly residents;

Ongoing disruption to daily movement and business activity in the area.

Residents like myself will be forced to endure multi-year quality-of-life degradation with no compensation or mitigation plan proposed.

4. Severe Traffic Overload
The area is already under significant transport strain. With Westfield car park entry on Albert Avenue, retail traffic on Victoria Avenue, and major flow on Pacific Highway, the addition of 260 new households and related vehicle movements will create chaos.

Post Office Lane cannot safely accommodate both service vehicles and new residential access.

Albert Avenue is often backed up even without this project.

No meaningful traffic upgrades are planned.

This is a recipe for constant gridlock and increased accident risk.

Conclusion
From a structural, social, environmental, and transport perspective, the proposed development is wholly incompatible with the site. It places undue burdens on existing residents and fails to safeguard our safety, amenity, or property value.

I urge the Department to reject this application or require substantial modifications to address these concerns.

To the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure,

I am writing as a resident of Metro Grand, Unit 2907, to express my firm opposition to the proposed “Novus on Victoria” Build-to-Rent development (SSD-63324208).

This is not a case of “not in my backyard.” This is a genuine concern about overdevelopment in the wrong place, and the real-world consequences it will have for thousands of Chatswood residents — including myself.

Traffic Will Be Unmanageable
Let’s be realistic: Post Office Lane, Albert Avenue, Victoria Avenue and Pacific Highway are already stretched beyond capacity.

Post Office Lane is a service lane — not designed for high-volume residential traffic.

Albert Avenue is the Westfield carpark’s main entry — often backed up even without a 46-storey tower nearby.

Victoria Avenue and Pacific Highway are crucial arterial roads — already congested at peak hours.

Now imagine adding 260 more apartments, with residents, rideshare, deliveries, garbage trucks, and retail loading — all squeezing into this mix. It’s not just inconvenient. It’s unsafe.

Construction = Chaos
Years of dust. Jackhammers. Closed footpaths. Trucks blocking lanes.

As someone who walks Victoria Avenue daily, I’m deeply concerned about how construction will disrupt safety and livability in one of Chatswood’s busiest pedestrian zones. Many of us rely on clean air and open streets to simply go about our day. This will make that impossible.

We Will Lose Views, Light, and Value
From my apartment, I currently enjoy natural sunlight and open views — one of the reasons I bought here. With this new tower, all of that will be gone.

Sunlight will be blocked. Privacy lost. And the value of my home — and those in Metro Spire and Metro View — will drop. No one wins here except the developer.

This Site Can’t Handle That Many People
A Build-to-Rent model with transient, high-turnover residents placed in a tight block surrounded by retail, traffic, and infrastructure pressure is not sustainable. Chatswood is already dense. This proposal goes too far.

Final Thought
We’re not against housing. But this is the wrong project in the wrong place. It ignores lived experience, local conditions, and community wellbeing.

Please reject SSD-63324208 or demand a major redesign that respects the neighbourhood it seeks to join.

I get the preference to build up rather than out and I agree. What I am keen to jump onto now while there is time is to avoid the Hong Kong approach of build massively cramp living environments. With the cost of real estate, more and more families are forced to live in apartments. One of the very few advantages is having a view. Cramming buildings next to each other blocks these views helping relieve the claustrophobic environment of high density living. And as the views are blocked, so too is the sun. This not only impacts our mental health but also forces many families to resort to using dryers over hanging cloths out to dry and heaters in the winter when the Sun would normally warm the place.
Finally, I note that this is promoted as a buy to rent to help address the cost-of-living issues. Given its location, right in one of the most desired down town areas of the north shore I am very sceptical that it will provide "affordable" living. The only real winner in this are the developers, builders and council. Nothing about this development is for the community.

I 100% object with this development. I can understand that the reason to build this building is to ease our problematic lack of housing, but why must this be built on this site? Yes it is a prime location but Chatswood CBD is already very congested and over crowded. Why not spread out and build a bit further out from the station? People can walk and it would still be convenient. There are many abandoned/ unused buildings around Chatswood, why not use and build that abandoned building?
I believe there are many unhappy residents with this development or disagree with the plan, however they choose not to speak up, because they know no matter what they say or do, the construction plan is still going to go ahead anyway. Money wins right?
What is the real benefit for the neighbourhood residents with this building construction? Why should we support the project? To me this is just pure greed.
I don't see any benefit at all. The area will be more crowded, we will have noise issue, what is the impact of nearby buildings? After this one goes up, there will be more coming.
There is not enough infrastructure to support this. Yes there is Metro station and Train station, but thats it. What about the rest of infrastructure that are needed for local resident?
Chatswood public school is already at max capacity, did you even check the playground or parks around Chatswood? We only have old and outdated playground nearby. You want to bring more people to Chatswood but you don't equip them with enough infrastructure.

As a long-term resident of Chatswood, currently living at 1 Post Office Lane, I am writing to object to the proposed Novus Victoria Build-to-Rent project on several serious reasons. While the intention to expand housing options is understandable, this particular proposal raises several red flags that will negatively affect both our community and my family’s quality of life.
1. High Population Turnover and Its Effects on Community Stability
The proposed development is entirely rental-based, meaning residents are likely to be short-term and constantly changing. This transient nature makes it difficult to build a stable, cohesive, and engaged community, and can often correlate with increased security concerns.
2. Overcrowding Near Key Public Infrastructure
The site is located in one of the most heavily trafficked areas of Chatswood, adjacent to the train station. Introducing a large number of additional residents and retail visitors is likely to put significant pressure on existing pedestrian infrastructure and narrow access points. This raises concerns about pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and accessibility for current users.
3. Loss of Scenic Views and Impact on Property Value
The height and bulk of the proposed development will directly obstruct the views from the north-east facing apartments at 1 Post Office Lane. These views were a key factor in our decision to purchase and are closely tied to the value of our property. Their loss would not only cause emotional distress but also likely result in financial loss due to property devaluation.
4. Quality of Life Impacts from Construction
Our apartment directly overlooks the proposed development site, and we are concerned about prolonged exposure to construction noise, dust, and visual disruption. These impacts have the potential to significantly affect our daily comfort and overall quality of life during the construction period.

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a resident of 1 Post Office Lane, Chatswood, to formally express my strong objection to the proposed Build-to-Rent (BTR) development at 410–416 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, known as "Novus on Victoria". While I acknowledge the necessity for urban development to accommodate Sydney's growing population, I have significant concerns regarding the potential adverse impacts of this project on community safety, infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the overall quality of life for existing residents.

(1) Community Safety and Cohesion
The proposed development, comprising 260 build-to-rent (BTR) units, is anticipated to significantly increase the local population density in Chatswood, a suburb already characterized by high-density residential and commercial buildings. The introduction of a large-scale BTR complex may lead to a more transient resident population, potentially undermining the sense of community cohesion. Research indicates that areas with higher proportions of rental housing can experience reduced community engagement and a diminished sense of belonging among residents.

Furthermore, increased population density without corresponding enhancements to local infrastructure and services may exacerbate existing challenges related to neighbourhood safety and amenity. It is crucial to consider these factors to maintain the quality of life for current and future residents.

(2) Infrastructure Strain and Traffic Congestion
Despite the site's proximity to Chatswood Station, pedestrian access is limited to a few pathways. These routes are already experiencing congestion during peak hours, with pedestrians sometimes being forced onto the street due to overcrowding.

The proposed development's inclusion of ground and first-floor retail premises is expected to attract additional foot and vehicular traffic, exacerbating existing congestion issues. This is particularly concerning for narrow streets in the vicinity, where increased pedestrian activity may pose safety risks.

Furthermore, the cumulative effect of ongoing and proposed developments in Chatswood, such as the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project, is anticipated to increase pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area. Without comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, the additional strain could compromise pedestrian safety and the overall functionality of the transport network.

(3) Impact on Chatswood's Multicultural Identity
Chatswood is widely recognised for its vibrant multicultural community, exemplified by hallmark events such as the Chatswood Street Fair and the Lunar New Year Festival. These celebrations not only foster social cohesion but also contribute significantly to the local economy. For instance, the 2025 Lunar New Year Festival, celebrating the Year of the Snake, injected nearly $AUD80 million into the local economy over its month-long duration, as reported.

The construction phase of the proposed development poses a substantial risk to these cultural events. Potential street closures, increased noise levels, and restricted access could disrupt the planning and execution of such festivals, diminishing their appeal to residents and visitors alike. This disruption may adversely affect local businesses that rely on the increased foot traffic and economic activity generated during these events.
Preserving the integrity of Chatswood's cultural landscape is essential for maintaining its unique identity and ensuring the continued prosperity of its diverse community.

(4) Detrimental Effects on Property Values and Resident Confidence
The proposed high-rise development is anticipated to obstruct existing vistas from adjacent residential buildings, including my own. Unobstructed views are a significant factor in property valuation, often commanding premiums over comparable properties without such views. The loss of these views due to new construction can lead to a measurable decline in property values.

Furthermore, the introduction of a large-scale build-to-rent complex may alter the character of the neighbourhood, potentially diminishing its appeal to prospective homeowners and investors. This shift could erode confidence in the area's long-term desirability and investment stability.

In similar cases, residents have reported property value declines significantly following developments that obstructed scenic views. Such precedents underscore the potential financial impact on existing homeowners and highlight the importance of preserving the visual and environmental qualities that contribute to property values.

(5) Construction-Related Disruptions
Residents living in close proximity to the proposed development site, including myself, are likely to experience significant and prolonged disturbances throughout the construction period. These disturbances may encompass elevated noise levels, increased dust, and traffic disruptions, all of which can substantially affect daily life and overall well-being.

Additionally, construction activities often generate dust and vibrations, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions and contribute to environmental degradation.
The cumulative impact of these factors underscores the necessity for comprehensive mitigation strategies to minimize the adverse effects on the health and quality of life of existing residents.

In light of the above concerns, I respectfully urge the Planning Panel to reconsider or reject the current proposal. I advocate for the exploration of alternative locations with lower residential density and fewer associated risks. It is imperative that long-term implications for residents, community infrastructure, and local safety are thoroughly evaluated before proceeding with such developments.

Sincerely,
A resident around the proposal

Too crowded
Too congested
Too many high rise buildings

It’s blocking the view in front of of my apartment.
It will cause more traffic congestion.
It will be very crowded due to high population.

To Whom It May Concern,

As a resident of Metro building, I write to lodge my strong and formal objection to the proposed “Novus on Victoria” development (SSD-63324208) at 410–416 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.

While I support responsible urban growth, this particular proposal is fundamentally flawed due to its excessive density, inadequate traffic infrastructure, and detrimental impact on the surrounding residential community.

1. Severe Traffic Overload on an Already Strained Network
The proposed 46-storey development will introduce 260 additional apartments and new retail activity into a location already plagued by congestion. The surrounding road network — Post Office Lane, Albert Avenue, Victoria Avenue, and Pacific Highway — is heavily trafficked at most times of day due to:

Proximity to Chatswood Interchange and major bus terminals;

Access routes to Westfield car park via Albert Avenue;

Existing service and delivery vehicles using Post Office Lane, a narrow laneway with limited turning capacity.

With the new development’s residents, service providers, removalists, rideshare cars, and deliveries all expected to enter via these same streets, we anticipate dangerous levels of congestion, extended delays, and increased risk of accidents. This proposal places far more strain on the area than the transport infrastructure can safely accommodate.

2. Unacceptable Construction Impacts in a High-Pedestrian Area
The construction of such a large-scale development will create years of noise, dust, and safety risks in a zone that thousands of commuters and residents pass through daily. Victoria Avenue is a key pedestrian link between the station and shopping precinct, and ongoing construction will:

Disrupt daily access and threaten pedestrian safety;

Produce continuous noise and dust, impacting the health and wellbeing of nearby residents;

Increase pressure on already limited footpath space and public domain areas.

These impacts will be felt acutely by residents like myself, whose apartment faces the construction site and relies on natural ventilation.

3. Loss of Outlook, Light and Value
The new tower will completely block existing open views, especially for residents in Metro View, Metro Spire and the lower and mid-levels of Metro Grand. It will also cause overshadowing of nearby apartments and reduce sunlight access for many owner-occupied units, including our own.

The resulting loss of amenity will directly translate to financial devaluation of affected properties, with no compensation or mitigation offered.

4. Uncontrolled Transient Population in a Residential Precinct
As a Build-to-Rent model, the development encourages short-term occupancy, creating a revolving door of residents with limited long-term connection to the community. This raises concerns around:

Building security and communal space management;

Increased noise and antisocial behaviour;

Loss of neighbourhood stability and cohesion.

Conclusion
The proposed development is vastly out of scale for its constrained location. It poses immediate and long-term risks to traffic functionality, community well-being, and property value in the area.

I urge the Department to carefully consider the cumulative harm this project would cause and to refuse the application in its current form.

The project includes excavation works reaching depths of 10 to 12 metres to accommodate three levels of basement. It will present significant geotechnical risks including ground movement, vibration.
The proposed tower will result in substantial overshadowing of the east-facing apartments in the Metro View residential tower. The units will receive little or no direct sunlight.
The proposal doesn’t comply with the recommended 35% deep soil landscaping requirements under the Willoughby DCP.
By replacing potential office or retail space with high-density housing, the proposal erodes the functional role of Chatswood as a commercial hub in Sydney’s North District and causing terrible traffic around the corner.
The tower significantly exceeds height benchmarks and lacks proper podium articulation or public domain activation as outlined in the chatswood CBD strategy.

The site of this proposed project sits on possibly the busiest street in the Chatswood CBD. It would be unsuitable to introduce more density with a high rise residential to what is already an area with high foot traffic with residents and visitors to the area. This increased density in the busiest area of Chatswood which is already overcrowded will lower the quality of life for the residents of Chatswood. Increased foot traffic, high road traffic with more activity directed into the city centre will put additional pressure on local infrastructure such as our roads.

A high rise lot in the middle of the Chatswood mall is also not in character with the street's low to mid rise buildings. A tall 46 storey tower will impact natural light and liveability for the surrounding properties. This also has an impact on the walking streets of Chatswood potentially make it dark with the overcast. The height and orientation also may overlook into adjacent homes and will impact the privacy for existing residents. It will also obstruct district and skyline views from certain apartments in the nearby residential towers. These views are a key part to the market value of these apartments. This proposed project will certainly have a detrimental effect for current and long standing residents.

The proposed project aims to take advantage of Chatswood's transport network and easy access to amenities but it fails to take into account that Chatswood has already become a much busier and denser location after the introduction of the Metro. There are more people on the pedestrian mall and more traffic coming into the city centre. During peak hours and especially on the weekends, traffic on the roads leading into the Chatswood CBD is congested and parking can also be challenging. The addition of this 46 storey block right in the middle of the Chatswood CBD and on the corner of Victor Street which already experiences a significant amount of traffic on a small 2 way single lane street is only going to make congestion worse and affect nearby residents and visitors. We should be trying to ease traffic conditions and improve the liveability of Chatswood instead of trying to introduce more density to an already crowded area in Chatswood.

Chatswood currently faces a significant problem in the overcrowding of schools (it has been widely reported in the news that Chatswood High School has gone above its enrolment cap and is the second most populated high school in NSW), traffic is bad during peak hours and weekends and more and more apartments blocks are going to be built along Pacific Highway and surroundings. Infrastructure needs to be improved before we look at building high rise after high rise. Development is inevitable but the location of where development takes place is important. Introducing more units right in the busiest location of Chatswood is not the right move given the existing infrastructure and density of the area.