Iam writing to formally object to the Development Application for the proposed apartment building complex at 142-150 Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba.

My objection is based on the following planning concerns:

1. Height, Bulk, and Scale
The proposed development appears excessive in height and overall bulk compared to surrounding buildings and upper Blue Mountains neighbourhoods. It is not consistent with the existing character of the Katoomba neighbourhood and may contravene applicable planning controls under the Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan. It is inappropriate over-development for the site.

2. Traffic and Parking
The proposal is likely to increase local traffic congestion and parking demand. The current street infrastructure may not adequately support this additional load.

3. Noise and Construction Impacts
Construction activities and increased occupancy may result in ongoing noise disturbances that will negatively affect the amenity of the area.

4. Negative impact on tourism
Increased occupancy will likely negatively impact the enjoyment of visitors to the Blue Mountains National Park.

5. Neighbourhood Character
The proposed development does not complement the existing streetscape and may set an undesirable precedent for future developments in the Katoomba district.

Given the above concerns, I respectfully request that the application be refused.

First of all, let me say that I oppose the proposed development of 142-150 Narrow Neck Road Katoomba.
I also oppose the use of the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway in the Blue Mountains.
I moved to the Blue Mountains in 1983, and have lived continuously in the Katoomba area for more than 20 of those years.
This proposed development flies in the face of what attracted me to the area, and what attracts so many others, visitors and residents alike: that is the green leafy streetscapes and natural vistas for all to see unimpeded along the escarpment.
The proposed development overrides LEP protections that have been developed in order to safeguard the environment and heritage of the Blue Mountains.
There will be irreversible ecological damage to the swamp below, caused by the runoff to the fragile eco-system below the development.
And tourism, such a vital player in our local economy, will suffer as the village vibe is eroded.
If this HDA pathway is allowed to proceed in the Blue Mountains, it will only be the beginning for similar high-density projects throughout the towns of the Blue Mountains, which will change the region forever.
I also believe that our World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, and the Blue Mountains Local Government Area be exempted from the HDA pathway.

This is not a sustainable or environmentally friendly way to develop housing in Katoomba. Other locations than this one should be sought.

Please see attached submission

As a long-term resident of the Lower Blue Mountains, I am deeply concerned about the proposed multi-storey development at 142-150 Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba. The Environmental Impact Statement for this project makes it clear that the scale—over 200 apartments—is out of character with the unique, natural landscape of our community. My parents moved to the Blue Mountains in the early 1960s, drawn to it by the tranquillity, bushland, and the vibrant local culture that makes the Blue Mountains a special place to raise family and connect with community. I am local – born and bred.
What matters most to me is the preservation of our environment and the character of Katoomba. This development threatens both. Its proximity to bushfire-prone land raises serious safety concerns, and the visual impact of such a large complex would forever alter the look and feel of the town. The Mountains are internationally renowned for their scenic beauty. The area is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Introducing a high-density project risks undermining that legacy for current and future generations.
I am also troubled by the fast-tracked process, with only a short period for community submissions. This approach, facilitated by the Housing Delivery Authority pathway, sidelines local voices and may lead to rapid approval without adequate scrutiny. The lack of genuine affordable housing options in the proposal further erodes its claimed benefits—this project does not meet the needs of local residents, but instead caters to outside interests.
This development would affect my family and community by increasing pressure on local infrastructure, threatening our bushland, and diminishing the visual character that makes Katoomba unique. I strongly oppose the proposal and urge the Consent Authority reject the HDA pathway in the Blue Mountains. I also request that the Blue Mountains Local Government Area be exempted from this process, and recommend a thorough site visit to consider the full environmental and social impacts before any decision is made.

This information is also on the attached letterhead.
We oppose the proposed development for Residential Flat Buildings at 142-150 Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba.
This is about placing hundreds of people in a bushfire-prone area with limited evacuation routes and overriding long-standing local planning controls that have protected our unique landscape for decades.
This development is larger, at least two stories higher, than anything currently permitted in the Blue Mountains. It would diminish the character of Katoomba, including views towards the escarpment. However more importantly it has the potential to increase pressure on local infrastructure, particularly roads; worsen traffic congestion; increase bushfire risk, particularly during evacuation; and degrade the natural environment, including sensitive and protected ecosystems.
This development seeks to double both the height and the density permitted under our Local Environmental Plan. This would make the development highly visible from the Blue Mountains National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Cliff Drive and Narrow Neck Road are, in their present state, unsuitable to support the amount of traffic this would generate. No footpaths, no kerb and guttering, narrow with no pull-off area for bus stops and misplaced and non-existent storm water drains. The turnoff from Bathurst Road to Narrow Neck Road is steepling inclined and unsuitable for long and heavy vehicles.
When Harry Hammond wanted to build a hotel in the area in the early 1970s, he was told that the sewer could not possibly take the flow that would be generated. That sewer is still the same as it was then. Scenic World recently had to instal very expensive water tanks and pump systems for fire protection because Sydney Water could not guarantee water supply in time of bushfires. Surely this would also need to apply to the proposed new development.

This project is an over development that does not fit the ongoing need for medium density and low income residences. Instead, it places itself as a high end hotel with conference facilities. It would also erode the natural wonder of Narrow Neck that sits beside Blue Mountains National Park. This is a greedy development proposal that appropriates the 'need more housing' movement. I object to this proposal.

The reason I moved to the mountains is for it's charm and nature. I believe this development undermines what makes the mountains special.
The building itself is hyper-modern and dominates the landscape. With it's serviced apartments, it appears to be more geared towards tourists than residents or those who intend to make the mountains a home.

The infrastructure we have in Katoomba and the mountains in general is already overrun (seen by the traffic commonly at the roundabout near the family hotel, and our now multiple month closure of Vic pass).

I believe this proposal is unsustainable, charmless and serves to make investors money at the cost of Katoomba residents.

I would be much more open to a development that is in a less ecologically sensitive zone (eg. North Katoomba), designed with old world charm, with apartments for permanent living for current residents, and matched with road upgrades for katoomba and the greater mountains area.