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

Objection to 3-9 Park Ave Gordon


Ku-ring-gai’s built heritage holds unique value, and as such, should be treated to acknowledge that value.

Ku-ring-gai as a whole is of national and state heritage significance because of the outstanding quantity, quality, depth and range of its twentieth century housing, including examples by many of Australia’s prominent twentieth century architects; and the evidence it provides of twentieth century town planning and conservation philosophies.
In 1997 this led to the National Trust recommending that 27 precincts be classified as Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) (now called Heritage Conservation Areas) – more than any other local government area in NSW.

I object to the proposed 9 storey development at 3-9 Park Ave, Gordon by Development CPDM. At a height of over 30 metres, 100 apartments, 128 car spaces and basement parking across 2 levels on a ridge-line next to heritage home and Heritage Conservation Area, nothing appears to be “State Significant” about this proposal. There is a lack of modulation, excessive and overbearing size, slack of setbacks, overshadowing and total inconsistency with the heritage architecture and historical values of Gordon.

I object on the following grounds:

Inconsistent with Ku-ring-gai Council’s Preferred Scenario: The proposal blatantly ignores key planning principles and is inconsistent with Council’s Preferred Scenario (which supports 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 sites dating back to the 19th century within a HCA, the development will destroy the heritage value and culture of our neighbourhood.

Excessive Height and Poor-Quality Design: At a height of 9 storeys (over 30 metres), this will be the tallest structure on the east side of Gordon, causing significant overshadowing and disrupting sightlines with inadequate transition zones and set-backs to adjacent homes and streets whilst reducing the privacy of numerous residences. The design is an extremely poor box type structure lacking any modulation or heritage recognition and will be a hideous stain on Gordon.

Devastating tree canopy and wildlife impact: This development alone will involve the destruction of at least 50 established trees, impacting the natural landscape and destruction of the habitats of native species such as Kookaburras, Rosellas, Galahs, and Echidnas.

Traffic and Infrastructure overload: With 100 apartments in this single development, this development together with others to come will compound an already traffic choke point entering the Pacific Highway plus local streets. Further our already strained stormwater, sewerage, transport systems, and parking will suffer further.

No community benefits: This project offers nothing to the community, instead, it only serves to destroy Gordon's heritage and natural environment.
Please do not allow this massive developmet to proceed.

Objection to 3-9 Park Ave Gordon
Ku-ring-gai’s built heritage holds unique value, and as such, should be treated to acknowledge that value.
Ku-ring-gai as a whole is of national and state heritage significance because of the outstanding quantity, quality, depth and range of its twentieth century housing, including examples by many of Australia’s prominent twentieth century architects; and the evidence it provides of twentieth century town planning and conservation philosophies.
In 1997 this led to the National Trust recommending that 27 precincts be classified as Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) (now called Heritage Conservation Areas) – more than any other local government area in NSW.

I object to the proposed 9 storey development at 3-9 Park Ave, Gordon by Development CPDM. At a height of over 30 metres, 100 apartments, 128 car spaces and basement parking across 2 levels on a ridge-line next to heritage home and Heritage Conservation Area, nothing appears to be “State Significant” about this proposal. There is a lack of modulation, excessive and overbearing size, slack of setbacks, overshadowing and total inconsistency with the heritage architecture and historical values of Gordon.

I object on the following grounds:

Inconsistent with Ku-ring-gai Council’s Preferred Scenario: The proposal blatantly ignores key planning principles and is inconsistent with Council’s Preferred Scenario (which supports 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 sites dating back to the 19th century within a HCA, the development will destroy the heritage value and culture of our neighbourhood.

Excessive Height and Poor-Quality Design: At a height of 9 storeys (over 30 metres), this will be the tallest structure on the east side of Gordon, causing significant overshadowing and disrupting sightlines with inadequate transition zones and set-backs to adjacent homes and streets whilst reducing the privacy of numerous residences. The design is an extremely poor box type structure lacking any modulation or heritage recognition and will be a hideous stain on Gordon.

Devastating tree canopy and wildlife impact: This development alone will involve the destruction of at least 50 established trees, impacting the natural landscape and destruction of the habitats of native species such as Kookaburras, Rosellas, Galahs, and Echidnas.

Traffic and Infrastructure overload: With 100 apartments in this single development, this development together with others to come will compound an already traffic choke point entering the Pacific Highway plus local streets. Further our already strained stormwater, sewerage, transport systems, and parking will suffer further.

No community benefits: This project offers nothing to the community, instead, it only serves to destroy Gordon's heritage and natural environment.

Please do not allow this development in this form to proceed.

I write to formally object to the proposed 9-storey development at 3-9 Park Avenue, Gordon, currently submitted for approval under the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway.

This proposal is fundamentally inappropriate for the Gordon area and raises multiple serious concerns, including:
1. Inconsistency with Ku-ring-gai Council’s Vision: The development contradicts the Council’s Preferred Scenario and fails to reflect key planning principles prioritizing sustainable, community-supported housing. It sacrifices both heritage values and the natural environment.
2. Destruction of Heritage Character: The development is adjacent to and opposite heritage homes within a Heritage Conservation Area (HCA). Its scale, form, and design are grossly out of character and will irreparably damage the visual and cultural integrity of this historic precinct.
3. Excessive Height and Overbearing Design: At over 30 metres and 9 storeys, this will be the tallest structure on the east side of Gordon. It features poor architectural quality, inadequate setbacks, and little modulation. It will create significant overshadowing, disrupt sightlines, and diminish neighbouring privacy.
4. Environmental Degradation: The removal of at least 50 established trees will severely impact the local tree canopy and biodiversity. This includes harm to native species such as Kookaburras, Galahs, Rosellas, and Echidnas—wildlife intrinsic to our community’s identity.
5. Traffic and Infrastructure Overload: With 100 apartments and associated parking, the proposal will exacerbate congestion on already burdened roads, particularly near the Pacific Highway junction. Additionally, it threatens to strain existing sewerage, stormwater, and public transport systems.

This development sets a dangerous precedent for future high-rise constructions and will permanently alter the character of Gordon. The misuse of SSD legislation to push through oversized, unsuitable developments must be challenged.

I strongly urge the Independent Planning Commission and relevant authorities to reject this application.

I object to the project as currently planned. Reasons are:
PARK LANE TRAFFIC - The project intends for Park Lane to be used for access and exit of approx. 120 vehicle parking places. This is totally inappropriate. Reasons: 1. Park Lane is a narrow, single carriageway lane which permits vehicles in both directions. 2. It currently has less than 10 residents garages which border directly on to the lane. 3. The lane already has traffic gridlock issues with cars from opposite directions being unable to pass each other without backing up into private driveways. 4. There will be increased danger for current residents as they exit their present garages into the lane (it already happens with the current "rat-run" speeding that occurs in the lane. 4. This is especially true in the mornings and afternoon rush times when the lane is used as a "rat run" by cars dropping off and picking up passengers from the train station. 5. The lane is also used by pedestrians including local residents, students and elderly residents from the aged care home across Rosedale Avenue, in order to access the Gordon Shops and train station. The lane has no footpath. Increasing the traffic many-fold in Park Lane will be further dangerous for pedestrians. 6. Entry and exit to/from Park Lane in rush hours will be severely hampered due to the already heavy usage and gridlock which already occurs in Werona Avenue at the Werona Ave - Park Ave intersection during school pick-up and rush hours. This is currently many hours per day. 7. At present only one house at 3 Park Avenue in the plan development site uses Park Lane for entry/egress. The only reason for the developer to try to use Park Lane for entry/exit of vehicles for 120 parking spaces would be cost savings in excavation to underground parking. 7. The other houses in the proposed plan at 5, 7, 9 Park Avenue all have their current vehicle access onto Park Avenue. It makes much more sense to have the vehicle access for the development onto Park Avenue which is a two-way street with footpaths on both sides of the street. 8. In summary, the proposed use of Park Lane for entry/exit parking facitity for the proposed project is quite inappropriate and unsafe. In fact, it is a crazy plan which seems to be in the proposal simply as a cost cuttingt measure.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - The proposed plan will result in a many-fold increase in pedestrian usage of the pedestrian crossing at the corner of Werona Avenue and Park Avenue. This is already unsafe as cars rush to turn into Werona Avenue from three directions viz. Park Avenue East, Park Avenue West and Pearson Avenue. Council have not even put in a pedestrian refuge at this pedestrian crossing, the apparent explanation being that a pedestrian refuge would restrict access to Werona Avenue by Sydney Trains heavy road vehicles when track work happens. It is currently already dangerous for pedestrians and will be even more so if pedestrian traffic increases massively from the proposed development.
SHADE ISSUES Shading of adjacent properties is not adequately addressed in the proposal. I am under the impression that the shade diagram which was indicated in residents meetings showed potential shading up to 3pm in Summer. It did not indicate winter shade in the 3pm-5pm window in winter, when the sun is lower in the sky. This is a significant issue for adjacent properties at 11, 15 and 17 Park Avenue (There is no 13 Park Avenue).
HEIGHT OF PROPOSED BUILDING. I note that the height of the proposed building has now increased to 9 stories, more than the originall envisaged height limitation for the area. The developer proposes this under the umbrella of "Affordable Housing". How will this be policed? If it cannot be policed, then the height of 9 stories is quite inappropriate.

1. Inconsistent with Ku-ring-gai Council's preferred scenario: The proposal blatantly ignores key 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.
2.Isolation of heritage homes: Positioned adjacent to and opposite heritage sites dating back to the 19th century within a HCA, the development will destroy the heritage value and culture of our neighborhood.
3.Excessive height and poor-quality design: At a height of 9 storeys (over 30 metres), this will be the tallest structure on the east side of Gordon, causing significant overshadowing and disrupting sightlines with inadequate transition zones and set-backs to adjacent homes and streets whilst reducing the privacy of numerous residences. The design is an extremely poor box type structure lacking any modulation or heritage recognition and will be a hideous stain on Gordon.
4. Devastating tree canopy and wildlife impact: This development alone will involve the destruction of at least 50 established trees, impacting the natural landscape and destruction of the habitats of native species such as Kookaburras, Rosellas, Galahs, and Echidnas.
5. Traffic and Infrastructure overload: With 165 apartments in this single development, this development together with others to come with compound an already traffic choke point entering the Pacific Highway plus local streets. Further our already strained stormwater, sewerage, transport systems, and parking will suffer further.
6.No community benefits: This project offers nothing to the community, instead, it only serves to destroy Gordon's heritage and nature environment.

To: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Re: Objection to State Significant Development Application – Residential Flat Building with In-fill Affordable Housing at Park Avenue, Gordon

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Residential Flat Building with In-fill Affordable Housing at Park Avenue, Gordon, currently on exhibition. As a local resident and concerned parent, I believe this development is inappropriate for our community for the following reasons:

1. Inconsistency with Ku-ring-gai Council’s Preferred Scenario
Ku-ring-gai Council's Preferred Scenario for Transport Oriented Development (TOD), endorsed on 31 March 2025, emphasizes the importance of preserving the area's unique character while accommodating new housing. The Council's approach focuses on:

Targeted Density Increases: Concentrating higher-density developments in specific areas to protect existing heritage and environmental assets.

Heritage and Tree Protection: Ensuring new developments do not compromise the area's historical and ecological significance.

The proposed development at Park Avenue does not align with this vision, as it introduces a large-scale building in a location that the Council aims to preserve.

2. Heritage Impact
The area surrounding Park Avenue is characterized by historic Federation and Inter-war houses and established gardens, which contribute to Ku-ring-gai's distinctive identity. The introduction of a substantial residential flat building would:

Isolate Heritage Homes: Surrounding heritage properties with modern high-density structures undermines their historical context.

Devalue Cultural Significance: The juxtaposition of incongruent architectural styles diminishes the aesthetic and cultural value of the heritage precinct.

Ku-ring-gai Council has previously sought interim heritage protections for such areas, highlighting their importance to the community.

3. Excessive Height and Poor-Quality Design
The proposed building's height and bulk are disproportionate to the surrounding low-density residential area. This discrepancy leads to:

Visual Dominance: The structure would overshadow neighboring properties, disrupting the established streetscape.

Design Incompatibility: The architectural style does not reflect the character of the existing neighborhood, leading to a loss of local identity.

4. Environmental Concerns
The development poses significant risks to the local environment, including:

Tree Canopy Loss: The removal of mature trees contradicts the Council's commitment to urban greening and climate resilience.

Wildlife Disruption: The area supports diverse fauna, and habitat destruction would have long-term ecological consequences.

5. Traffic and Infrastructure Overload
Park Avenue is already a heavily congested local road, serving as a key access point for residents of both Gordon and Killara to reach the Pacific Highway. The road is narrow, with limited visibility and single-lane traffic flow, creating daily bottlenecks, especially during peak hours.

As a parent of a student at Gordon Community School, I can personally attest to the traffic congestion and difficulty navigating this area during school drop-off and pick-up times. Cars entering from Pearson Avenue often struggle to merge safely, and parents face significant challenges finding suitable and safe areas to drop off or collect children.

Despite the proposed increase in residential density, I have seen no evidence of complementary planning for infrastructure improvements. There are no announced upgrades for local roads, public transport capacity, parking, or essential services such as:

Shopping centres
GP clinics and medical services
Hospitals or emergency facilities

The local infrastructure is already under strain, and adding a high-density development without corresponding service expansions will only exacerbate these problems and reduce overall livability for both new and existing residents.

Conclusion

Given the above concerns, I urge the Department to reject the proposed development at Park Avenue, Gordon. The project conflicts with Ku-ring-gai Council's strategic planning, threatens heritage and environmental assets, and would negatively impact the community's quality of life.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Subject: Objection to development application for the multi-level development at 3-9 Park Ave, Gordon

We are writing to formally object to the above proposed development in Gordon due to the following.

Isolation of Heritage Homes

The development will impact adversely to the heritage values and culture of the heritage listed homes nearby the proposed development site.

Impact on Local Character

The scale and design of the proposed development are out of keeping with the character of the surrounding area.

Excessive Height

The proposed height of 9 storeys apartment development, if approved, will be the tallest structure on the eastern part of Gordon, causing significant overshadowing and disrupting sightlines with inadequate transition zones and set-backs to adjacent homes and streets and reduce the privacy of numerous nearby residences.

Traffic and Parking Concerns

With over 100 apartments in this single development, the proposed development will worsen traffic congestion on both Pacific Highway and Park Ave and put additional pressure on already limited parking in Gordon station area.

Environmental Impact

Precious tree canopy and vital wildlife habitats will be destroyed. We were informed that the above development alone involves the destruction of over 50 established trees; and the destruction of destruction of habitats of native species including kookaburras, rosellas and echidnas.

Infrastructure Strain

As current infrastructure including stormwater, sewer, transport system and parking are already strained, the proposed development could cause further problems.

In summary, we are not in favour of the above proposed development and we don’t want the approval of the proposed development to be a precedent for more similar developments in the area as the development would negatively affect the amenity of existing residents through privacy, overshadowing, increased noise. This would lower the quality of life for nearby residents.

At a height of over 30 metres This development over block the sun light for nearby neighbours.
excessive and overbearing size, lack of setbacks, overshadowing and total inconsistency with the heritage architecture.
Not enough public education for extra population, especially Killara high school is fully full.
The traffics in park Ave toward pacific hwy, park lane . Khartoum ave, weron ave already terrible during peak hours.

1. The project proposal by-passes all the extensive consideration of the total local impact of developments on the Gordon area, formulated in the Kuringai Council Preferred Scenario to replace the blunt instrument of the State's TOD planning rules.
2. The $60M threshold for SSD applications creates a serious anomaly in the planning process: larger scale projects should be just as accountable to local needs and values as smaller ones.
3. The project would bring excessive dominance, height and overlook to existing, recognised heritage built and green environments.
4. Park Avenue is already a heavily used traffic entry point to Pacific Highway. The scale of the project would severely overload that egress.

This developer override the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) legislation. It’s height of over 30 metres and immediately adjacent and opposite heritage homes and a cherished Heritage Conservation Area (HCA)
Seriously lack of setbacks, overshadowing all the neighbourhood.

Park Ave is already around 3 meter higher than Khartoum Ave. Building over 30 M high plus 3 M will totally blocked whole neighbourhood sunlight.
The traffics in Park lane. Park Ave .Khartoum ave. Weron Ave. Pearson Ave . Park Ave towards pacific highway, 400 m around Gordon train station are already terrible.

Imagine the police car in Gordon or fire brigade from Pymble need to do urgent duty but all stop in the nearby traffics.
The public education in this area is already very full, especially the Killara high school.

I object to certain elements of the proposal as listed below.

I wish to acknowledge that there is a great need to increase the availability of housing in Sydney. However future development must take into consideration the character of the surrounding areas. In this case low density residential housing, interspersed with numerous heritage listed houses, surrounded by beautiful established vegetation and tree canopy.

Below are my points of concern in relation to this submission
1. The height of this proposal is completely at odds with the surrounding character of the area. The height of this proposal should be reconsidered.
2. Overshadowing of nearby residential properties ( all surrounding properties are low density housing).
3. Proposed site boarders a locally heritage listed building, Number 11 Park Avenue.
4. The failure of the developers to acquire Number 2 Park Avenue.
5. The proposal admits that the upper levels of the building do not comply with ADG Setback requirements in relation to the interface with 2 Park Avenue.
6. Traffic congestion, specifically in regard to the junction at Park Avenue and Pacific Highway.

Regards,
LH

This proposed development is positioned in a street adjacent to heritage listed properties and a heritage conservation area. Once the significant heritage value of these homes is lost, or they are overshadowed by huge, bulky buildings part of Sydney's history is lost forever. Key planning principles are being overlooked and Ku-ring-gai's preferred planning scenario is being ignored.

The east side of Gordon has, to date, been maintained as an area of predominantly low level housing with heights of 3-5 stories maximum. This proposed 9 storey development will be ugly and visible well above the tree line and will be totally inconsistent with the current treed view from most vantage points. Unlike Gordon on the western side of the highway the land does not drop away, so there will be considerable overshadowing of adjacent buildings and homes and issues with privacy for adjacent homes.
The proposed development will involve the destruction of at least 50 established trees. The value of trees in Ku-ring-gai is what sets this area apart and creates not only a beautiful place to live for the humans but also for so many beautiful birds and animals. In the current context of global warming it appals me that developers are being allowed to destroy so many trees.

I also understand that there will be no added amenity offered by this development. It will add to the traffic congestion as well as creating a greater demand on all of the services on which we rely (stormwater, sewerage, transport systems).

The design itself is most unattractive with no apparent step-backs to soften the bulky appearance and "boxiness" of the building.

I strongly object to this development, which if allowed will set an awful precedent for Ku-ring-gai. The poor design, lack of modulation, huge size, tree canopy and wildlife impact, and inconsistency with the heritage architecture and historical values of Gordon are all of significant concern. Community consultation is critical when we are considering the loss of so much heritage, history and nature.

I have key concern regarding the infrastructure and local traffic. Both Pearson Ave and Werona Ave yield to Park Avenue. The entry onto Park Ave is already a gridlock say various times of the day. Adding another 100 apartments to Park Avenue will collapse the local traffic. In addition, the proposal in this development did not offer any improvement to the local infrastructure and green spaces to replace the 50 mature trees it will remove.

It overrides planning principles set out by the Council , it is undemocratic& prioritises high density development over community interests. It destroys the heritage value of our neighbourhood. Affordable housing must be balanced with environmental & heritage protection.
It will cause significant overshadowing with inadequate transition to adjacent homes. It will cause more traffic congestion. It is already often impossible to enter or exit Park Lane to enter Werona Avenue & then Pacific Highway. Park Lane is very narrow & many houses have their garage entries in this lane.. The northern side of Park Avenue has very little parking due to the Church & its No Standing areas. Park Avenue is filled with cars from very early in the morning so there is nowhere for residents' visitors to park as it is.
Tradesmen would have nowhere to park their vehicles during construction of the apartments & entry to Pacific Highway in peak times would be impossible.
Infrastructure is already strained as are local amenities. The small park & tennis courts in adjacent Rosedale Rd are difficult to access due to lack of parking space.
The added high rise buildings will put further burden on local government.
It will devastate the tree canopy & habitat of native species.
The affordable housing section of the development will not be in that affordable section indefinitely so this would just be a profit making gambit for the developer in the long run. At over 30 meters the design is a very poor box type structure lacking any modulation or heritage recognition 7 will be a stain on Gordon & the value of our properties which we took so log to choose as a handy place to live.

Sorry, I thought I was objecting to the proposed property development at Burgoyne Street. Apart from the vehicle access, I have the same concerns for the Park Street development, as the Burgoyne Street development.

As a local resident and concerned community member, I believe the proposed development is not in keeping with the character, scale, or needs of our neighbourhood. What is proposed is an over development for the general area.
Pearson Avenue is a busy and narrow residential street already under pressure from traffic. I can foresee many vehicle accidents as a result of the access via Pearson Avenue. Vehicle access via Pearson Avenue is insanity. If it has to be built, why not via Burgoyne Street or Lane?
The height and bulk of the development will overshadow neighbouring properties, reduce access to sunlight, and impact the privacy of existing homes - particularly the nearby period dwellings. These impacts are unreasonable and unacceptable.
The proposed development is not in keeping with the surrounding area.
Facade/Street appeal of the proposed units look uninspiring/poorly designed. What has happened to the design standards?
Thank god for Jack Mundy.
I don't disagree with more development in Ku-ring_gai. But - stick to the railway and highway corridors.
For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that the development application for 1–7 Burgoyne Street be refused.

Please do not make any long decision until the state and the council has reached an agreement as it will affect the long term living conditions of the flora, fauna and the existing residents as well as the heritage values of the area

This propsal is a disaster for residents. It is -
× Inconsistent with Ku-ring-gai Council’s Preferred Scenario: The proposal blatantly ignores key 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.
× Isolates Heritage Homes: Positioned adjacent to and opposite heritage sites dating back to the 19th century within a HCA, the development will destroy the heritage value and culture of our neighbourhood.
× Proposes excessive Height and Poor-Quality Design: At a height of 9 storeys (over 30 metres), this will be the tallest structure on the east side of Gordon, causing significant overshadowing and disrupting sightlines with inadequate transition zones and set-backs to adjacent homes and streets whilst reducing the privacy of numerous residences. The design is an extremely poor box type structure lacking any modulation or heritage recognition and will be a hideous stain on Gordon.
× Will Devastate the existing tree canopy and wildlife impact: This development alone will involve the destruction of at least 50 established trees, impacting the natural landscape and destruction of the habitats of native species such as Kookaburras, Rosellas, Galahs, and Echidnas.
× Creates Traffic and Infrastructure overload: With 100 apartments in this single development, this development together with others to come will compound an already traffic choked point entering the Pacific Highway plus local streets. Further it will ooverliad our already strained stormwater, sewerage, transport systems, and parking.
× The proposal provides no community benefits: This project offers nothing to the community, instead, it serves to destroy Gordon's heritage and natural environment.

This will ruin the neighbourhood that I grew up in and loved. × Inconsistent with Ku-ring-gai Council’s Preferred Scenario: The proposal blatantly ignores key 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 sites dating back to the 19th century within a HCA, the development will destroy the heritage value and culture of our neighbourhood.



× Excessive Height and Poor-Quality Design: At a height of 9 storeys (over 30 metres), this will be the tallest structure on the east side of Gordon, causing significant overshadowing and disrupting sightlines with inadequate transition zones and set-backs to adjacent homes and streets whilst reducing the privacy of numerous residences. The design is an extremely poor box type structure lacking any modulation or heritage recognition and will be a hideous stain on Gordon.



× Devastating tree canopy and wildlife impact: This development alone will involve the destruction of at least 50 established trees, impacting the natural landscape and destruction of the habitats of native species such as Kookaburras, Rosellas, Galahs, and Echidnas.



× Traffic and Infrastructure overload: With 100 apartments in this single development, this development together with others to come will compound an already traffic choke point entering the Pacific Highway plus local streets. Further our already strained stormwater, sewerage, transport systems, and parking will suffer further.



× No community benefits: This project offers nothing to the community, instead, it only serves to destroy Gordon's heritage and natural environment.

I wish to lodge my strong objection to the proposed development at 3–9 Park Avenue, Gordon under the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway. This proposal is deeply inappropriate for the character, scale, and infrastructure capacity of Gordon and sets a dangerous precedent for development in heritage-sensitive suburban areas.

The SSD designation appears to be misused in this case. The proposal does not offer any demonstrable benefit to the State or wider community that would warrant bypassing local planning processes. Rather, it seems to exploit a legislative loophole to override the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) guidelines and Ku-ring-gai Council’s carefully developed strategic vision for the area.

Key reasons for objection include:

Excessive Scale and Visual Impact: The proposed 9-storey building—over 30 metres in height—will be the tallest structure on the east side of Gordon, completely out of character with the surrounding area. Its bulk, height, and lack of modulation will dominate the local skyline, overshadow adjacent properties, and intrude upon the privacy of nearby homes.
Incompatibility with Heritage Context: The site sits adjacent to and directly opposite a designated Heritage Conservation Area (HCA), which contains heritage-listed homes and streetscapes of cultural and historical importance. The development would severely compromise the visual integrity and cultural value of the area, permanently altering its character.
Environmental Degradation: The removal of over 50 mature trees for this development would have an irreversible impact on Gordon’s green canopy and natural habitats. This threatens the survival of native fauna including birdlife and echidnas, undermining efforts to preserve urban biodiversity.
Strain on Infrastructure and Traffic: The addition of 100 apartments and 128 parking spaces in an already congested area will worsen traffic flows near the Pacific Highway and place increased pressure on local roads, public transport, sewerage, stormwater, and community infrastructure—none of which are equipped to absorb this scale of growth.
Poor Design Quality: The architectural design is utilitarian and unsympathetic to the surrounding built environment. It lacks articulation, heritage sensitivity, and any meaningful transition to lower-density areas. Its aesthetic is inconsistent with both the Council’s strategic vision and community expectations for new housing.
Absence of Public Benefit: This development offers no genuine public benefit. It contributes nothing in terms of open space, community facilities, or services. The only beneficiaries are the developers, at the cost of community amenity and identity.
In summary, this project represents overdevelopment of a highly sensitive site. It contradicts Council’s planning priorities, threatens local heritage, and places Gordon at risk of ad hoc, profit-driven densification. The use of SSD legislation to bypass normal planning controls undermines public trust and responsible urban planning.

I strongly urge the Department of Planning to reject SSD - 78775458 and refer the matter to the Independent Planning Commission for thorough review and proper community consultation.