Residential Flat Building with In-fill Affordable Housing - Park Ave, Gordon

1. This project will create massive traffic overload to already congested roads around Gordon train station not only during construction phase, but after the project is completed. It is totally unacceptable to dump permanent traffic overload on congested, narrow streets around Gordon train station.
2. The project will add to the overload on all infrastructure of Gordon community - right from already struggling storm water systems, sewerage, parking and general infrastructure in Gordon.
3. Excessive height of this project will cause permanent loss of privacy for a large number of residents in this area. It will create huge shadows, turn a green, beautiful neighborhood into an ugly structure planted in the middle of a beautiful suburb. This is totally inconsistent with the character of Gordon. It is completely unfair and undemocratic to force such a ghastly structure of excessive height on residents of Gordon.
4. Permanent damage to tree canopy, wildlife and the environment of Gordon. Killing established trees for developer profits is totally not justifiable or fair.
5. This project brings NO benefits to Gordon community and is intended to solely line up developers' pockets at the cost of Gordon community.
In conclusion, this project does NOT belong in Gordon and must be prevented from proceeding.

I am deeply concerned about the prospect of the proposed building opposite my residence. There are a multitude of problems with the proposal as noted below:

Heritage Impact
- The building plans indicate a 9 storey building directly alongside a Heritage Item as well as radically impacting the streetscape of the Gordondale Estate which includes both an HCA (of which my home is a contributing item) and Heritage Items. The design is ghastly, rising up without setbacks or consideration for the character of the LGA much less the street itself. There is no transition between the wall of apartments and the Heritage and HCA buildings.
- Council plans for the TOD seek to retain the HCA and all Heritage Items on the street making this proposal entirely incompatible with the surrounding character of the area should the State accept Council’s proposal.
- Heritage Federation properties on the street such as my own were constructed on basic sandstone footings placed on a very heavy clay. I anticipate that major structural works will have impacts on surrounding properties including damage to my own building. Furthermore, the original Federation glass in some of the homes is extremely thin and at risk of damage as well as significant noise pollution during the construction process.

Isolation of Properties
- In the consultation summary the developer acknowledges that they have not considered incorporation of the Heritage item at 11 Park Avenue due to a lack of development opportunity. This is against the principles of ‘site isolation’ control in Part 3 of the Ku Ring Gai DCP.
- The design utilises the Driveway to the rear of 3 Park Avenue, isolating 2 Park Lane from future development. Once again this is against the principles of ‘site isolation’ control in Part 3 of the Ku Ring Gai DCP.
- The consultation summary notes that the developer were not able to ‘acquire’ 1 Park Avenue Gordon. This is particularly concerning given the proposed heights for this site under the TOD as it will result in an isolated pocket unable to be developed to the level Council have allowed for.

Environmental Impact
- Canopy: This proposed destruction of at least 50 established trees is of grave concern. As a resident of this street and regular contributor to the annual Aussie Bird Count I have spent considerable time observing the bird life of this area. Kookaburras, Butcher Birds, King Parrots, Brush Turkeys, Cockatoos, Rainbow Lorikeets, Noisy Miners and many other species frequent this street. There is an interplay between the various properties and seasonal food supply as well as a regular tussle for nesting space in certain trees which are popular. Of note are the two trees in front of 1 Park Avenue. I have grave concerns for the welfare of birds not only on the proposed development properties but the surrounding areas.
- The environmental report makes no mention of species which are regularly foraging in the area such as the Flying Foxes and Echidnas.
- Park Avenue is in close proximity to the Ku-ring-gai Flying-Fox Reserve. The grey-headed Flying-Fox has suffered major population decline since the 2020 Bushfire season. I think that numbers are finally starting to show some minor improvement based on occasional sightings but this population is at risk and a fundamental part of our ecosystem for pollination of native species.
- We have observed echidnas migrating through our property on a regular basis throughout the years. There must be an appropriate study to determine whether their movements extend to that side of Park Avenue as they do appear to move South from the Flying Fox Reserve to our property and may continue further.
- We have Antechinus, Brush Tailed Possums and Ring Tailed Possums regularly living on our property. I observe evidence of the possums throughout the properties along Park Avenue. There must be an appropriate study to determine if there is presence of these species.

Traffic and Infrastructure
- Park Avenue and Pearson/Werona Avenue are the most congested streets in Ku Ring Gai. This is a daily occurrence. Adding a large scale development on an existing choke point without an integrated traffic improvement plan by the State (I would argue that connections to the Railway, Bus connection and Highway this would exceed the typical council traffic works). This will also be a very significant problem during any construction.
- The water infrastructure on Park Avenue is already compromised and without a major upgrade I do not believe that any developments should be considered. I have made multiple complaints to Sydney Water over the years regarding leaks along the street. Several years back a Turpentine crashed through 18 Park Avenue because an ongoing leak undermined the root structure. After that was addressed a new leak appeared and continued to re-appear with concerning regularity outside 12-14 Park Avenue. I anticipate another tree adjacent to the new leak will come down in a similar manner.
- Increased density will impact parking in the area during construction as well as long-term once residents move in. Ku-Ring-Gai Council has denied an application to install a crossing on our Park Avenue frontage for mobility access for my disabled stepfather. We rely on street parking for level access, however, this change will mean that he is unable to access and leave the home independently.
- Pedestrian access in the area is extremely dangerous. I regularly observe and experience near misses. Reported accidents are in no way indicative of actual problems faced by the community.

Other Concerns:
- The whole SSD process is causing significant emotional distress for the community and costing huge amounts of time and energy to protect from grotesque and highly inappropriate development proposals such as this one.
- Changes to the sightlines at the ridge will dramatically effect my enjoyment of the area’s natural beauty. With dark skies at night I am able to regularly enjoy star gazing. In recent weeks I was able to enjoy the early stages of the meteor shower with a shooting star. Rising building heights as well as increased light pollution will drastically reduce the quality of life experienced by our community and nocturnal wildlife such as the Powerful Owl and Flying-Fox.

The proposal should be refused on all of these grounds.

The proposed building is completely incompatible with the surrounding neighbourhood. It ignores the Council's preferred way of allowing a similar number of new dwellings. It would throw even more traffic into an already dysfunctional and accident prone intersection at the nearest corner. The practical reality for residents at the proposed development is that they would be queued up inside the carpark at peak times waiting to get out of the building, much like a shopping centre.

Please see attached submission.

I object to the project due to the poor amalgamation pattern leaving 2 Park Lane totally stranded and isolated and enclosed due to a driveway that belongs to the property of the proposed development. Being able to amalgamate the site in such a controversial manner creates a precedent for other such poor site amalgamations in the future diminishing the quality of this development as well as others that might follow such an example in the future.

I object to the proposal because it will exacerbate traffic gridlock in Gordon. It is going to be chaotic, especially for residents living in East Gordon. Already the traffic is at grid lock particularly from cars entering into Park Avenue from Wade Lane, Pearson Avenue (includes a pedestrian crossing) Werona Avenue (incudes a pedestrian crossing). If I need an ambulance, it may not be able to get through this traffic congestion.

100 apartments on this site are absurd. It is too many people and too many cars.

9 storeys high is too high.

It will be terrible to see a high rise building in Gordon that will destroy the green canopy cover that has always been here. And Park Avenue is on the highest point of Gordon so it will be even higher.

Gordon does have the infrastructure for this development, particularly as Gordon's sewerage system that needs an upgrade.

I have lived in Gordon nearly 60 years and I am appalled about this proposal.

Why is the NSW Government supporting and allowing these ridiculous spot rezonings that will destroy Gordon and other suburbs in Ku-ring-gai?

The affordable housing scheme is a real scam. It is just an excuse for developers to build higher buildings. And then what happens after 15 years? Do the people living in the affordable housing get kicked out and made homeless?

This proposal will turn Gordon into a slum.

Be sensible and use your commonsense. Refuse it.

1. Isolation of Heritage Homes: The development, positioned adjacent to and opposite local heritage sites, will obliterate the heritage value and culture of our neighborhood.
2.Excessive Height and Poor-Quality Design: At over 9 levels (30 meters), this will be the tallest structure on the east side of Gordon, causing severe overshadowing and disrupting sightlines. The inadequate transition zones and setbacks to adjacent homes and streets will drastically reduce the privacy of numerous residences. The design is an extremely poor box-type structure, devoid of any modulation or heritage recognition, and will be an eyesore and a blight on Gordon.
3. Traffic and Infrastructure Overload: With over 100 apartments in this single development, along with others to come, this will exacerbate an already severe traffic choke point at the Pacific Highway and local streets. Additionally, our already strained sewerage, transport systems, parking, and stormwater infrastructure will be further overwhelmed. This will significantly disrupt the daily lives of community members, making commutes longer, reducing the availability of essential services, and diminishing the overall quality of life in our neighborhood
4. Devastating Tree Canopy and Wildlife Impact: This development alone will obliterate over 50 established trees, devastating the natural landscape and destroying the habitats of native species such as Kookaburras, Rosellas, Galahs, and Echidnas. The long-term effects will include a significant reduction in biodiversity, increased urban heat island effect due to loss of tree canopy, and a permanent alteration of the local ecosystem. These changes will not only affect wildlife but also diminish the quality of life for residents who rely on these green spaces for recreation and mental well-being

Please find attached submission.

I have been a resident of the Kuring Gai Council local area for 39 years, and in Gordon for 32 years, in close proximity to this proposal.
It provides an urgently needed allocation to low income and affordable housing which is virtually non existent in this. I have raised 4 children in this area, 2 of which are now essential workers, but despite wishing to do so, are unable to live in the area due to the cost of housing, and have moved a significant distance away. This development is hopefully the first on many such development within this local area.
Given the location within close walking proximity to both a significant station and bus interchange, the siting of higher density housing is an important issue, and should be solidly supported, as this is the obvious location for such development. The councils proposed higher density housing on the western side of the Pacific highway , down a steep hill, is unlikely to be a location that young families, or older residents seeking to downsize, find attractive. The east side of the railway line , with a short flat walk to the station and shopping areas, shoudl have been developed many years ago.
It should be noted the significant sums invested by the State Government, over many years, in upgrading the Northern Railway line, and Metro connection, and the building of a bus interchange at Gordon , then higher density development must follow.
Gordon, compared to many other suburbs, has multiple parks at both Gordon and walking distance to Killara, and excellent public transport connection to both the Public and Private schools located in the LGA.
Gordon is also well placed with a large Shopping area, again an easy walk from this development.
In relation to impact on the area, the following comments are critical. The councils proposed development plans include much higher development , less than 100 metres away, as well as development as high as 25 stories within 200 metres. The area bounded by Werona ave, Park ave, Rosedale ave and McIntosh st ( and this development is in this area) , have council proposals for areas that vary between 5 and 10 stories, so there is no reason to argue that is development is out of context to the area.
In relation to Heritage, i note the development is not within the Heritage Conservation Area, although located nearby, but has well defined setback that appear to be addressed within the Heritage report. It should also be noted that many residents find a number of the Heritage Conservation Areas in Gordon as of an extremely dubious nature, but not all ( eg St Johns Ave and parts of Nelson St, areas that should be conserved). By comparison the southern side of Park st does not appear to have any significant redeeming heritage value.
Thank you.

Please see attached submission on behalf of 16 Park Avenue, Gordon.

This project is:
- Inconsistent with KMC's preferred scenario: the proposal blatantly ignores key plannign principles and is inconsistent with Council's Preferred Scenario, supporting new housing without sacrificing our heritage and nature environment, determined following consultation with the community
-Isolation of heritage homes: positioned adjacent to and opposite heritage sites dating back to the 1800's within a HCA, the development will destroy the heritage value and culture of our neighbourhood
- Excessive height and poor quality design: at 9 storeys high (30 metres!) this will be the tallest structure onf hte eastern side of Gordon, causing massive overshadowing and disrupting the sightliness with inadequate transition zones and set backs to adjacent homes and streets whilst reducing the privacy of so many residences. The design is very very poor box like structure and lacks any modulation or heritage recognition and will be a hideous blight on our beautiful suburb of Gordon.
- Devastating to tree canopy and impact to wildlife: Gordon is a leafy suburb and SO many trees are being cut down by home builders and developers already. The development alone will involved the destruction of AT LEAST 50 trees which are mature and established and serve to sequester pollution and carbon from our streets. This build will impact the nature landscape and destroy habitats of native species such as Kookaburra, Rosellas, Gallahs and Echidnas - this is counter to the government's desire to be nature positive
- Traffic and infrastructure overload: with 100 apartments in this one development, this development along with others to come will FURTHER compound an already traffic choke point in this vicinity of Park Ave, Werona Ave, Pearson Ave and Pac Highway. With many residents owning more than one vehicle, 128 parking spots will mean additional and excess cars will spew into already crowded streets. Furthermore, our drainage, stormwater, sewerage and transport systems are under huge strain and parking is already inadequate as there are insufficient bus networks and regularity from neighbouring suburbs so people "commute' to Gordon and park everywhere. Streets are overcrowded, damaged with pot holes. Infrastructure is totally failing Gordon
-No community benefits: this project offers NOTHING to the community, instead, it just serves to destroy Gordon's heritage, natural environment and the already inadequate support systems and infrastructure in existence.

1. 100 additional apartments will worsen the already severe local traffic congestion and shortage of local parking in the area.
2. The development is inconsistent with the Ku-ring-gai Council's preferred scenario for meeting new housing targets whilst minimising environmental and heritage impacts which has been arrived at in consultation with the community.
3. The excessive height of the development will block views and overshadow adjacent housing.
4. The design of the development is inappropriate and out of character with the neighbouring housing.
5. The development will involve destruction of a large number of established trees and gardens impacting wildlife.
6. The development will destroy the heritage value of adjacent street scapes and reduce property values

1. 100 additional apartments will worsen the already severe local traffic congestion and shortage of local parking in the area.
2. The development is inconsistent with the Ku-ring-gai Council's preferred scenario for meeting new housing targets whilst minimising environmental and heritage impacts which has been arrived at in consultation with the community.
3. The excessive height of the development will block views and overshadow adjacent housing.
4. The design of the development is inappropriate and out of character with the neighbouring housing.
5. The development will involve destruction of a large number of established trees and gardens impacting wildlife.
6. The development will destroy the heritage value of adjacent street scapes and reduce property values.

Touring the Past Pty Ltd and Kemp & Johnson Heritage Consultants were engaged by various property owners on Park Avenue (nos 6, 10, 12-14, 16 & 18) to provide an independent heritage review of the proposed works at 3-9 Park Avenue. Please refer to the attached Heritage Impact Statement.

seee attachment

Objection to Proposed Development on Park Avenue, Gordon
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development located on Park Avenue, Gordon.
As a long-term resident of Gordon for over 50 years, I have witnessed the suburb’s evolution and value its unique character, community feel, and livability. I am deeply concerned that the scale of this proposal, along with its potential traffic impacts, threatens the very qualities that make Gordon such a desirable place to live.
Scale of the Proposal
Park Avenue is a residential street characterised by low- to medium-density dwellings that contribute to the suburb’s quiet, leafy atmosphere. The scale and intensity of the proposed development are completely out of proportion with the existing streetscape. Approving such a project would undermine the established character of the area and set a troubling precedent for further overdevelopment, putting increased strain on local infrastructure and services.
Traffic and Congestion
Park Avenue is already under pressure from traffic, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times, and peak commuting hours. The addition of a large-scale development will only exacerbate congestion, increase noise and pollution, and pose greater safety risks to pedestrians — especially schoolchildren and elderly residents. There appears to be no adequate plan in place to address these traffic impacts or to ensure the safety of the local community.

In conclusion, I urge the NSW Government to carefully consider the long-term consequences of approving this development. It is essential to preserve the character, safety, and amenity of Gordon — values that have made this suburb a vibrant and inclusive community for decades.
Thank you for considering my objection. I am available for further discussion should you require additional information.
Yours sincerely,
Emma Shaw

Scale of development, initial TOD planning allowed 6 storey up to 8 if affordable housing was incorporated into the development. This development exceeds the allowable height and appears to be 10 occupied levels.
Not in line with Karing gai Council planning guidelines, for the first development I find that for the government to waive the design review as very poor.
Community consultation lacking if non-existent no consideration to the heritage nature of the neighborhood nor the isolation of the adjoining heritage item, 11 Park Ave.
Impact to privacy appears to have open podium/balconies towards 11 Park Ave.
The proposal indicates 170 FTE during construction decreasing to 30 FTE ongoing although does not indicate a method of accommodating the increase in parking requirements.
Increased traffic volume along Park Lane is not addressed.
Shadow study appears to cease at 3pm barely missing 11 Park Ave and I assume that from this time onwards it will impact 11 Park Ave. Also the 3m high acoustic barrier along the boundary hasn’t formed part of the study.
Noise levels from the communal open areas will exceed recommended levels and the treatment is to avoid use. It would be better if the adjacent areas were protected and made compliant.
“Ground movements may occur behind basement walls during excavation and should be assessed through finite element modelling, particularly where nearby structures or underground services may be sensitive to displacement.” Probably not acceptable to a heritage item.
Several sections of the proposal indicate that there are non compliances and a complaints process that will be implemented and apart from a complaints register there is no mention of the method of resolution of these complaints.

I strongly support the proposed development at 3-9 Park Avenue, Gordon (SSD-78775458).

Sydney has a housing affordability crisis for which the solution is to build more housing. This proposal is an ideal example of the kind of housing we need. Specifically, the proposed development is located a few minutes walk from Gordon station, multiple bus routes and a large shopping area. For transport efficiency reasons, it makes sense to concentrate high density such as this project near transport nodes.

Notably, the proposed development replaces very low density houses which has been an inefficient use of valuable sites in close proximity to quality transport infrastructure. Increasing density in this location aligns with the NSW government's transport oriented development objectives to create more well-located homes close to transport.

I also note that housing development sometimes involves the loss of attractive, heritage-significant buildings. This project is not an example of that. The more density we can build on sites like this, the less we need to impinge on heritage assets.

I strongly urge the planning authorities to approve this development as it represents an appropriate and much-needed addition to housing in this well-connected location.

The key issues of the project are:
- Inconsistent with Ku-ring-gai council's Preferred Scenario: The proposal blatantly ignores Ky planning principles and is inconsistent with Council's Preferred Scenario, supporting new housing without sacrificing our heritage and natural environment, determined following consultation with the community.
- Isolation of Heritage Homes: Positioned adjacent to and opposite heritage homes, the development will destroy the heritage value and culture of our neighborhood.
- Excessive Height and Poor -Quality Design: At a height of 9 storeys, this will cause significant overshadowing and disrupting sightlines with inadequate transition zones and setbacks to adjacent homes and streets whilst reducing the privacy of numerous residences. The design is poor box type structure lacking any modulation or heritage recognition and will be a hideous stain on Gordon.
- Devastating tree canopy and wildlife impact: The development alone will involve the destruction of at least hundreds established tree, impacting the natural landscape and destruction of the habitats of native species.
-Traffic and Infrastructure overload: With 106 apartments in this single development, this development together with other to come will compound an already traffic choke point entering to Pacific Highway plus local street. Further our already strained stormwater, sewerage, transport systems, and parking will suffer further.

Please find attached the submission from Friends of Ku-ring-gai Environment Inc. (FOKE)