Residential development with In-fill affordable housing - East Walker Street, North Sydney

This proposal raises significant concerns that could adversely affect the safety, well-being, and educational experience of current and future students:
1. Noise Pollution: The extensive construction process will generate disruptive noise levels that could impair classroom activities, affecting students’ ability to concentrate and learn effectively.
2. Safety Risks: The increase in construction vehicles operating near the school creates serious safety hazards for children, especially younger ones, during school hours. The potential for accidents is a considerable worry.
3. Traffic Congestion: The street on which the school is located already experiences significant congestion during drop-off and pick-up times. The addition of hundreds, if not thousands, of new residents from this development will exacerbate this issue, likely leading to severe gridlock and complications for school access.
4. Reduced Natural Light: A 46-story building will cast substantial shadows over the school grounds, reducing the availability of natural light. This could negatively impact students’ health, mood, and learning environment.

Dear Sir, Madam

I note the submission has only minor amendments which go no way to address my previous concerns in relation to amenity, traffic congestion and safety for first responders.

My apartment has iconic views which are completely deleted, not severely impacted as the report states, by the proposed development as are those of my current North Sydney neighbours. The developer has included only a selection of views which in no way shows the overall impact to the current residents who call North Sydney home. The developer is taking the iconic views and amenity of current residents and transferring to others while taking the profits of doing so. The developers should be asked to provide accurate factual data on the true number of residents who will have their amenity reduced or completely taken away. This includes sunshine, water or green views and the feeling of being hemmed in by a gigantic concrete wall. The impact on mental health from having this amenity taken away should most certainly be addressed and taken into account when reviewing the proposal. I request this is reviewed by a specialist in the area.

An already busy neighbourhood, with newly completed developments and a new school to open soon, the area cannot take such a large development with the vehicular traffic that will come with it. Not just residents' cars, but their visitors cars, delivery vehicles, ride shares, garbage trucks, couriers, grocery deliveries and more. Walker St cannot take more vehicles. With school children all around and frustrated residents fighting for near no existent car spots or to get in and out of their homes accidents will occur.

Most importantly is the safety of those who may be in need of timely medical help or in the case of a fire, gas leak or other emergency. If an emergency occurs during peak traffic hours , school pick up time, when a large delivery is taking place, during garbage collection or a number of other scenarios, the narrow Walker Street will not be accessible to first responders. This in itself should result in a much smaller development.

The development cannot be allow to take from others under the guise of providing affordable housing. They should most certainly include affordable housing but if they cannot do so as part of a smaller, appropriate sized development which maintains iconic views, sunlight and amenity and doesn't result in traffic chaos and the potential dangers associated with access for first responders then the government needs to stand up and say no to the development proposal.

Kind regards
Alison

Please refer to my submission for the previous version of this project. The changes presented here are very minor and don’t address any of the points made previously.

I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed 30-storey building . I believe this development would cause several problems for the area and is not a good fit for our community.

First, the building would block water views and iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House. These views are not just beautiful; they’re a big part of the area’s identity and value. Losing them would hurt the appeal of the neighborhood and likely impact property values negatively.

Second, the building is too large for the area. Our local infrastructure is already under pressure. More residents would mean more traffic, crowded public transport, and strain on utilities like water and electricity.

The height and design of the building don’t match the surrounding neighborhood either, which mostly consists of smaller, low-rise properties. A structure of this size would overshadow the area and change its character.

Finally, I feel there hasn’t been enough consultation with the community. People living here should have a real chance to voice their opinions and see them considered.

I hope you’ll reconsider this proposal and explore other options that better suit the area and its residents. Please keep me updated on any changes or decisions regarding this project.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns.

I want to strongly object to the proposed residential development with affordable housing, East Walker Street, North Sydney. The main reasons for my strong objections are as follows
CBUS latest application has not addressed any of our previous objections.please refer to all previous submissions. To have a tower in the centre of a valley floor of low rise housing under the premise of affordable housing should be rejected.
This will effect over 1000 dwellings in Walker, Hampden, McLaren, Miller and Berry Streets with loss of solar access, major view loss and other issues, and is not in the public interest.
Traffic Flow will be a major problem
We have traffic problems now at peak road demand times in the morning and evening. Future traffic pressure has not been taken into account, with new and recently completed developments
such as:
1 New Aqualand development at 168 Walker with 386 apartments
2.45 McLaren Street
will add over 100 new apartments
3.The new Reddam School in McLaren Street commencing in January 2025 4. 57 storey building at 110 Walker Street
4. the Western Harbour Tunnel impacts and on-ramp and their effects on the intersection
5. First Responder Access
The extreme difficulty for first responder in an emergency to get quick access.We have already seen difficulty responding to smoke alarms during the peak traffic periods for Century Plaza (Corner of Berry Street and Walker Street).
View Loss
This proposed latest development plan will result in major view loss to hundreds of apartments including Belvedere, The Heritage, McLaren Apartments, The Harvard, North, Vantage, and The Miller. In some cases, this view loss is total.the so called affordable housing will be in prime spot with views and will hinder our safety .Heritage
The proposal is across the road from a row of Victorian Terraces to the north and important heritage buildings to the west, and a heritage protected sandstone wall. A massive, bulky 12-storey proposal detracts from the Heritage value .Besides being a totally unsuitable site for this massive development,the
developers are using so-called “affordable housing” plans to destroy the amenity of a beautiful Precinct.It is also questionable that this site is suitable for affordable housing. If the dwellings are to be truly affordable, they need to be built in other parts of the North Sydney LGA. Not in a prime location with soaring property values. North Sydney has already done the density heavy lifting. The development of East Walker with the current proposal is over development and must NOT be approved in current form

Height Concerns
The proposed building's height significantly exceeds the surrounding structures to the west, which will:
Height should be limited to a similar or lower height existing buildings.
Alter the character of the neighbourhood.
Block natural light and morning shadows for adjacent properties.
Create an imposing skyline that is out of scale with existing buildings to the west.
Environmental and Social Impact.
I am concerned that the proposed development will foster a "ghetto" environment due to:
High density of residents leading to overcrowded living conditions.
Insufficient infrastructure to support the increased population.
Potential increase in noise and pollution levels.
Large impact on Local Character and iconic Harbour Views.
The construction of these towers will:
Strongly diminish the local character of North Sydney, which is known for its unique charm and pleasant residential environment.
Obstruct views of the harbour, reducing the opportunity for existing residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty it offers.
Community Impact
This development could negatively impact our community by:
Reducing property values in the surrounding area.
Overburdening local services such as schools, medical facilities, and public transport.
Diminishing the quality of life for current residents.
Conclusion
North Sydney is currently rated as one of the most livable CBD's it would be criminal for it to become a tower suburb like St Leonards and Chatswood. For the reasons outlined above, I strongly urge the Government to reconsider this planning application. The proposed development is not in keeping with the character of our community and poses several risks to our environment and residents.
Thank you for considering my objections.

From my perspective, we stand to lose our views of the Opera House, the Bridge, and the Harbour, with no opportunity to object. The proposed building is far too large and too tall. While we understand that it is unlikely to be stopped, it should be scaled back to reduce its bulk and height.

I understand that North Sydney is a transport hub and high rise living is the agenda for the area. I myself have purchased a property in Aura 168 Walker Street North Sydney off the plan approximately three years ago. This development was not known then. I purchased a property with a view that will no longer be apparent. We moved into our finished apartment approximately 3.5 months ago and we received the notice about this project. Our building is not yet 40% occupied and anyone who purchases now will have no opportunity to object. Those who already purchased have immediately had our investment devalued. The building is not attractive and very high and bulky. If it is to proceed I respectfully request that you lower the height of the towers and improve the design to be less bulky.

Hello,
Both of my children will go to Reddam House North Shore starting from 2025. This project will create pollution and noise which will affect my children’s life in school tremendously. It will also cause traffic chaos to this area. I strongly object this project! Thank you!
Best regards,

Emma Song

This building is too big and too tall, once it build up ever level 24's view are blocked. We spent 2.5 mil for a apartment with the view and if this building are are built, we wont even consider this unit before. please stop this building or at lease scale down to max 20 floor ish.

I object to the proposed affordable housing development on East Walker Street, North Sydney, as outlined in the planning portal. While I acknowledge the importance of providing affordable housing, I believe this development in its current form raises significant concerns regarding planning compliance, environmental impact, and its potential effect on the local community.

1. Inconsistency with Local Character and Planning Controls
The proposed development appears to conflict with the area's existing character and zoning intentions. The proposed building's height, scale, and density do not align with the existing built environment of East Walker Street, which primarily consists of low- to medium-density residential dwellings. The development exceeds the allowable height and floor space ratio under the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan. This creates overshadowing and privacy concerns for neighbouring properties. The proposed design detracts from the heritage and aesthetic appeal of the area, which is known for its cohesive and visually pleasing streetscapes.

2. Traffic and Parking Concerns
East Walker Street and its surrounding streets are already subject to significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Adding high-density housing will exacerbate these issues, creating safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists. The parking provisions for the development are inadequate to meet the needs of new residents, which will result in spillover parking on neighbouring streets. The development will contribute to congestion on roads not designed to accommodate such increased traffic levels, impacting residents and emergency services.

3. Environmental Impacts
The proposed development raises significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding vegetation loss and urban heat island effects. The proposal necessitates the removal of mature trees that currently provide shade, habitat, and a buffer against noise and air pollution. This removal is contrary to environmental preservation goals. The high-density construction will increase impermeable surfaces, reducing green space and exacerbating heat retention in the area.

4. Social and Community Impacts
While affordable housing is important, the proposed development risks overloading existing community infrastructure. Local schools, medical facilities, and public transport services are already under pressure. An influx of residents will stretch these resources further, reducing the quality of life for current and future residents. High-density affordable housing will result in social isolation for new residents.

Given these issues, I believe the proposed development is unsuitable for East Walker Street, North Sydney. It poses significant risks to traffic safety, fails to address parking needs, and disrespects the cultural and architectural fabric of the area. I strongly urge the Department to reconsider this proposal in its current form.

The new exhibition changes are very minor. My previous submission on the proposal sill stands in full.


Date: 18th November, 2024
Subject: Submission re: Objection to the proposed development of East Walker Street, North Stdney SSD-67175465.

I strongly object to the above proposed development currently under review.

This proposed development will make a detrimental change to all residents and road users in the area.

My objections are raised below:

1. OVERSHADOWING
It will overshadow many dwellings especially being practically abut to the fence of Century Plaza shadowing the swimming pool and garden casting out all sun from this area.

2. NOISE AND POLLUTION
Remembering , if approved , that the proposed development will be underway at the same time as the WHT construction.
In addition, many other building constructions may be in progress, such as the following:

168 Walker Street 57,storeys(Aqualand)
110 Walker Street 57 storeys
45 McLaren Street 14 storeys
100 Walker Street 48 storeys
157 Walker Street 44 storeys (proposed)
Also 42 storeys above Victoria Cross
station.

3. PREVIOUS REJECTION
Previous attempts have been made to have this development proposal approved and have been dismissed on several occasions by various reports.
This time around it attempts to leverage affordable housing provisions to exceed the size, scale and height way beyond its previous proposals of a smaller slender building.

4. COMPATIBILITY
This proposal is not compatible with the area and impacts on a conglomerate amount of dwellings ie., overshadowing dwellings; value loss; view loss; noise and pollution, not to mention the traffic impact.

5. EXTREME TRAFFIC IMPACT
Future traffic impact will not be avoidable if this proposal is allowed, it will make it difficult for all road users to travel around the area without serious health and safety implications.
This site is a dead end making some vehicles, ambulances
and garbage trucks having to reverse down the one way lane.
There are already 2 schools in the area causing existing
gridlock at peak times. The Reddam school
construction also commences in January 2025.

At the very least a detailed traffic analysis, modelling, access and impact report on residences needs to be conducted.

This proposal will lead to increased traffic congestion
and will plunge the North Sydney area into commuter
chaos.

CONCLUSION:
There is very strong local consensus that this proposal is deemed unacceptable, inappropriate, not in the public interest and flawed on many different levels.

Submission of objection to the proposed development of
East Walker Street, North Sydney, SSD-67175465
forwarded for your consideration.

Amended Affordable Housing Proposal Overview -
Given the insignificant ‘amendments’ to the July 2024 Development Proposal, it seems an over-reach that a further community review of an already flawed ‘Affordable Housing’ building concept be once again, circulated for comment.
So, despite a reduction in formal car parks - seemingly replaced by bicycle spaces (263) - the key objections against this Proposal proceeding remain.

Indeed, if the genuine focus of this Proposal was Affordable Housing (78 apartments) there would be no need for a 30+ Storey ‘Elite’ Dwelling Tower (161 apartments).
By simply using the total site footprint, the number of Affordable Apartments could double - thus keeping this project as a low-rise development – as per the existing unoccupied dwellings, which are proposed to be demolished.

Furthermore, the ‘Build to Rent’ Proposal for nearby 146 Arthur Street – 46 Storey / 390 apartments – will significantly support the ‘affordable’ residential requirements for North Sydney.

Scale of Development -
The enormous scale of the proposed residential development at East Walker Street is a 30+storey / 12 storey monolith, establishes an unprecedented over-development assault on the amenity of the Walker Street area. It is in direct conflict with the original vision of the Ward Street Precinct Master Plan. To bring the scale and enormity of this Proposal ‘to life’ – the attached BEFORE and AFTER photographic / pictorial evidence from the Cbus Submission – clearly shows how their Development Proposal will negatively impact the Vantage Owners and Residents.

Other existing residential buildings along Miller / Walker / Hampden Streets and nearby McLaren and Berry Streets will also be permanently damaged by this monstrous construction – from lifestyle disruption and economic loss, due to the decrease in property values across all of these compromised nearby buildings.

Loss of Vista and Views -
As demonstrated in the attached pics - the Proposed Development negatively impacts the vista and views of hundreds of apartments and adjacent dwellings. It also creates extensive over-shadowing of all neighbouring properties, including a loss of sunrise to midday sunlight. This proposed residential development should not be seriously considered, simply because it has now re-submitted its hostile development intentions as an 'Affordable Housing' opportunity.

While the Development Proposal endeavours to justify its presence on Walker Street, it fails to respect the lifestyle, infrastructure, and amenity needs of numerous neighbouring residential buildings, including - Hampden Terraces, The Belvedere, The Heritage, McLaren Apartments, The Harvard, Vantage Residences and The Miller. The AURA Complex on McLaren Street has now been completed (28 Storey / 386 apartments), and new approved developments are under construction at 41 McLaren Street (a Private School) and at 45 McLaren Street (a low-rise Residential Development). There is simply no room for additional large-scale buildings in this precinct.

Traffic Congestion and Safety -
Given the current traffic congestion arising from the above approved developments, it is an appalling disregard of sensible, integrated urban planning to allow such an imposing building to be constructed, which will dwarf and smother every other surrounding dwelling.

An additional 218 car parks will be added to the traffic ‘saturation’ in the precinct. There is already early morning and late afternoon traffic gridlock within the McLaren / Walker / Miller / Berry Street Quadrant. This unwanted and high risk traffic congestion puts resident safety in a vulnerable position for access of First Responders and Emergency Services - all of which significantly reduces the quality of life and importantly, the amenity of local residents.

In Conclusion -
There are no benefits to the North Sydney community from the construction of this flawed Development Proposal. The overall fabric of the area will be permanently scarred by an oversized building which 'bullies' existing owners and facilities due to its dominant disproportional footprint, height, and negative span of influence.

The infrastructure consequences of this proposal proceeding are enormous - constant traffic gridlock, a dark inaccessible streetscape, poor ventilation, safety and emergency services chaos and a significant loss of lifestyle amenity and property values of all neighbouring properties. The Proposal needs to be redesigned as a complementary low-rise addition to the Walker Street landscape.

Please reject this proposal and support the North Sydney community.

I am one of the parents from Radddm House North Shore school. I object to the project as the following reasons:

1. Safety Concerns: Construction sites can pose significant safety hazards, such as heavy machinery, vehicular traffic, and construction debris. These could endanger students, especially during arrival and dismissal times.

2. Noise Pollution: Construction activities typically produce a lot of noise, which can be disruptive to the learning environment. This may interfere with students' concentration and could negatively affect their academic performance.

3. Traffic and Congestion: Additional construction vehicles and increased workforce might create traffic congestion around the school. This could lead to longer drop-off and pick-up times and potential difficulties for school buses navigating the area.

4. Environmental Impact: Evaluate the potential environmental consequences, such as the removal of trees, increased pollution, or changes in local wildlife habitats. These factors could affect the quality of air and the overall environment around the school.

5. Structural Concerns: If the construction involves high rises or large buildings, consider the potential for these structures to block natural light or alter the local microclimate, impacting the school's energy usage and environment.

6. Disruption of School Activities: Noise and traffic could disrupt not only regular school activities but also special events, outdoor sports, and extracurricular activities.

7. Potential Decrease in Property Values: Large construction projects can sometimes decrease the value of nearby properties, which might concern other parents and residents in the area.

8. Impact on School Resources: If the project includes retail or commercial spaces, consider how it might alter foot traffic and potentially strain school resources or facilities.

9. Long-term Consequences: Consider whether the project is in line with the community’s long-term planning goals and how it might affect the character and values of the neighborhood.

10. Lack of Consultation: If there has been insufficient community consultation or transparency about the project, this can be a valid ground for objection. The community should have a say in developments that affect its schools and residents.

This development proposal is a persistent and inappropriate attempt to impose a 30-story high-rise tower in a low-rise residential area. Despite numerous rejections from planning authorities, they continue pursue this project, disregarding the significant negative impacts on the local community.

Key concerns include:

Incompatibility with the neighborhood: The proposed tower is dramatically out of scale with the surrounding buildings, causing severe visual intrusion and overshadowing.
Loss of residential amenity: We will experience significant loss of sunlight, privacy, and views, negatively impacting our quality of life.
Traffic congestion: The increased traffic generated by the development will exacerbate existing traffic problems in the area, leading to increased congestion and safety risks.
Inadequate environmental assessment: The provided environmental impact assessments fail to adequately address the potential negative impacts of the development, particularly in relation to traffic, noise, and visual amenity.
This proposal is not in the public interest and should be rejected.

This high-rise residential building will have a significant impact on the local traffic. Adjacent to the school, both the construction site during the building phase and the impact on traffic after its completion pose serious safety risks to the children！

Dear whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed construction of a high-rise residential complex directly opposite Reddam House. My concerns include:

1. Noise Pollution: Construction activities will generate significant noise, disrupting the learning environment and well-being of students and staff.
2. Air Pollution: Dust and emissions from construction and increased vehicle traffic will compromise air quality, posing health risks to children.
3. Blocked Views and Natural Light: The high-rise buildings will obstruct views and reduce natural light for the school, negatively impacting the overall environment.
4. Safety Hazards: The proximity of large-scale construction poses safety risks to children, with heavy machinery, construction debris, and increased pedestrian hazards.
5. Traffic Congestion: The development will exacerbate traffic around the school, leading to longer commute times, parking issues, and higher risks for students crossing streets.

I urge the authorities to reconsider this project to prioritize the safety, health, and educational experience of our children.

Thank you for your attention.

There are at least 5 schools around that area, constructions noise will impact on the students’ school life, also causing safety issues.

Noise and traffic negative impacts on the neighbouring school and kids
safety concern on and after school

I am a resident of Aura which is just across the road from this proposed development. We have just moved in and note that the Aura building is less than 50% occupied at this time. I expect future residents about to move in will have similar objections to mine but as closing for submissions is 21/11, they will not have the chance to voice their opinions.
I understand my building Aura is very large, but it was built on a much larger block and it replaces a similarly large building here before. Part of the appeal and the selling proposition was the views of the harbour and across to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Lady Macquarie's chair and bay. Given the size and height of this new development , all these views will be lost thus depreciating the value of mine and many other residents of Aura.
I am not anti development and understand the need for housing in NSW, it is the size and height of the development I object to. There is a building next door that is 20 stories high and in keeping with the street lines if the new development did not exceed that height it would be in keeping with existing apartments. The current site of the development has small flats only 3 stories high, so a development of 30 stories would be a large change and would also impact all the smaller properties next door and across the road.
It should also be noted that Walker street is one of the streets that traffic flow will be directed towards, now that North Sydney is reducing traffic flow in other parallel streets like miller street, allowing for a Cafe style experience which I am supportive of. The new development on Walker street is right at the narrowest part of Walker street and during construction will be a significant choke point and continue to be so with such a large development occurring there.
Again I stress I am not against development and the provision of affordable housing is commendable, I object to the significant height of the other building being constructed for general occupation.
Regards, Sandra Rolley