Allowing this development to get as far as it has and now paving the way for it to continue in the absence environmental assessment and planning (incl. biodiversity, flora & fauna, tree canopies) goes against the grain of processes that are meant to safeguard against decisions we can't undo or make up for later. With successive development, whether for individual residences or medium/high density developments, there have been years' of tree removal (approved AND illegal) that all adds up to sizeable loss of tree canopy and biodiversity in our LGA that is one of the key attractants for many who choose to live in the area.

There is currently major traffic flow issues already into and out of Lindfield, especially if seeking to connect to Pacific Hwy and have option of travelling northbound or southbound. For now, this is only supported at one location, via a narrow single-lane (for each direction) rail underpass that regularly sees kilometres of waiting traffic from three feeder streets. This is only if seeking to use Pacific Hwy. A similar situation exists esp. in peak travel times towards the east side, travelling Archibold Road. The idea of adding many TOD developments and then also adding non-TOD developments like this one into the locality without significant re-engineering of road/traffic infrastructure and management to support this is a disaster in the making.

The development is within a heritage zone and is significantly out of character with the neighbourhood street scape.
The loss of social amenity of properties - immediately and with sight lines of the development - would be substantial. Including the loss of environmental diversity and green scape.
The bulk and height is excessive and exceeds the maximum permitted building height. The development would result in major overshadowing and privacy concerns.
The development is in a flood zone and has associated implications for future issues with water related matters - including an already maxed out stormwater system in the area.
The area is not set up for the additional traffic congestion at the ingress and egress points and at the major intersections to exit from Lindfield. If adhering to environmental and sustainability matters, including the affordability and close to public transport claims the parking should be reduced to a maximum of 1 space per lot with consideration of bike storage and alternative transport planning.
If permitted to proceed the developers should be required to provide a significant contribution to the increased demands on local infrastructure.

The latest TOD planning for Kuringai area has already involved building over 24000 new dwellings in this area which will negatively affect the environment, traffic and parking in this area. The proposed Concept Development Application which will involve 167 apartments outside the TOD will further worsen the problem. The TOD which was finalised after extensive consultation with the community does not include the proposed project.
According to the latest TOD planning, maximum height allowed in the area of the Concept Development Application is only 9.5 meters . The proposed 9 storey development will cause a lot of problems for its neighbors in the sense of shadow and privacy. It will also destroy the character of this area especially that the proposed location is situated within a heritage area and subject to heritage overlay.

1. This consolidated site appears to be outside the 400 metre catchment from the station and shouldn't qualify for TOD.
2. The overall height scale and bulk of this building is hopelessly out of scale with the predominantly single/double storey surrounding residences
3. This building would severely impact the solar access to 6 single story houses immediately south, along Tryon Rd.
4. Likewise there would be devastating impacts to privacy via overlooking to the above houses and several along the eastern boundary in Lightfoot Pde.
5. Allowing access to Nelson Pde for 251 houses would compound an already congested major access road.
6. If anything is to be approved here, this building should be restricted to 3 storeys with basement parking.

Mark Jackson / retired architect

I have lived In Lindfield, on the eastern side of the railway line, for about 23 years and am very familiar with the site at 1-5 Nelson Rd. I strongly object to this development for the following reasons:
1. I did not receive a flyer about this development
2. This large development is to be positioned in a Heritage Conservation Area (Crown Blocks Heritage Conservation area) which is completely inappropriate and out of character
3. Two out of three properties in this development are outside of the original TODD zone ie they are more than 400metres from Lindfield Station. Considering this the height of this proposed development is in excess of the maximum building height limit. In the original TOD this area would have been eligible for low and mid rise housing (maximum 4 storeys). Even in the Kuringgai Council preferred alternative plan these blocks are zoned R2, not R4, and definitely not zoned for 9 storeys.
4.The bulk and scale of this development will overshadow and dwarf the residential houses adjacent. They will be robbed of sunlight and lose privacy.
5. The leafy streetscape, for which Kuring-gai is recognised and valued, will be destroyed and there will be a detrimental effect on the precious tree canopy and wildlife.
6. Crucially: The location of this development, on the corner of Nelson Road and Tryon Road will inevitably have a very negative effect on traffic flow and congestion within and entering and exiting Lindfield. This is already a very busy corner, adjacent to a school, and it is central to the alternative route in and out of Lindfield for residents on the eastern side of the railway line who wish to avoid the congested area on Lindfield Ave immediately adjacent to the railway station and Harris Farm. It iseems to be a confusing corner for many motorists who seem uncertain as to who has the right of way (those crossing Nelson Road from Tryon Road and heading west, or those turning on to Nelson Rd from Tryon Road, heading east. Extra traffic will increase the risk of accidents on this corner.
7. This proposal should not be accepted based on a concept drawing. There is no adequate provision for necessary new infrastructure and services to cope with this number of extra residents and vehicles and the number needs to be considered in addition to the number proposed in the several other SSDs currently being assessed for Lindfield, not in isolation. How are the roads, footpaths, crossings, schools, ...going to cope with the extra demand?
8. There is also inadequate explanation of how this development will impact storm water, flooding risk and soil. In fact the zoning map within the geotechnical report has the site shown as Middle Harbour Rd not Nelson Rd, which is a different area altogether.

In my opinion this proposal should be rejected.

As a 24 year old, I've spent my whole life growing up in this area and have been very proud of our local community's efforts towards conservation and heritage. This project spits in the face of everything and everyone in this community. It's ridiculous to think that we're going to be building an excessive 32m tall complex right within a heritage area right next to single and double story homes. How do you expect the existing infrastructure of Nelson and its neighbouring roads to accomodate all of this? A single 9 story building on a road full of homes next to a school... what a farce!

10 August 2025
To: The Consent Authority
Re: Objection – 1, 3 & 5 Nelson Road, Lindfield
SSD-82899468 – Stage 1 Concept DA for Residential Flat Building with Basement Parking
Summary of Objections
Heritage - Incorrect claim in application that there is no “Statement of Significance” for 9 Nelson Road – this
is factually wrong; NSW State Heritage Inventory records its architectural and historic value. Raises
concerns about accuracy and completeness of the entire application.
Bulk, Scale & Streetscape - Nine-storey (~32m) building grossly out of scale with surrounding
single/two-storey homes; minimal 6m setbacks and rooftop communal space will dominate and overlook
neighbouring properties; permanently alters established streetscape.
Privacy & Amenity - Direct overlooking into outdoor areas, bedrooms, and living rooms at 9 Nelson Road
and other nearby homes; rooftop communal space increases noise and light spill.
Environmental Impact - Loss of significant mature trees, including protected Turpentine and Blue Gum
species; potential harm to existing waterway; loss of treescape and biodiversity.
Traffic & Safety - Increased congestion on Nelson Road and Tryon Road intersection; greater safety risks
for children attending nearby special school.
Planning & Zoning - R2 zoning – height/density inconsistent with Council’s preferred Transit Oriented
Development (TOD) model; unclear if site is within required 400m TOD zone.
Conclusion - The proposal is excessive, inaccurate, and incompatible with the heritage, scale, and character
of the area. I respectfully urge the consent authority to reject the application.
Full Submission
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to object to the proposed development at 1, 3 and 5 Nelson Road, Lindfield.
Although I currently reside at 15/3 Gladstone Parade, I grew up at my parents’ home at 9 Nelson Road — a
heritage-listed property that has been in my family since 1980. I have spent much of my life in this street and
remain closely connected to the house, the neighbourhood, and its distinctive heritage and environment.
Having reviewed the application and Environmental Impact Statement, I share my parents’ deep concerns
and wish to add my own objections.
Heritage - The applicant’s statement that “No Statement of Significance has been noted in the NSW State
Heritage Inventory” for 9 Nelson Road is plainly incorrect. The property is heritage-listed, with its
architectural and historical value documented in the NSW State Heritage Inventory. This error casts doubt on
the accuracy of other key details in the application and whether proper consideration has been given to
protecting heritage in this location.
Bulk, Scale and Visual Impact - A nine-storey building, approximately 32 metres high, will overwhelm the
surrounding single-storey dwellings and drastically alter the streetscape. The minimal setbacks, combined
with a rooftop communal space, will create severe overlooking into my parents’ property and others, and will
result in a permanent loss of privacy and amenity.
Privacy and Amenity - From my years living at 9 Nelson Road, I know that the proposed building will directly
overlook private outdoor areas, living rooms and bedrooms. The rooftop communal space will also increase
noise and light spill, intruding into spaces that have always been quiet, private, and residential in character.
Environmental Concerns - The removal of mature trees — including protected Turpentine and Blue Gum
specimens — will irreversibly damage the established treescape and reduce biodiversity. There are also
unanswered questions about the proposal’s impact on the existing waterway between 9 Nelson Road and
the development site.
Traffic and Safety - The development will add significant traffic to Nelson Road and the Tryon Road
intersection, increasing safety risks for children, particularly those attending the nearby special school and
using the pedestrian crossing and Kochia Lane pick-up area.
Inconsistency with TOD and Zoning - The site is zoned R2. The proposed bulk, height, and density are
grossly inconsistent with the Council’s preferred Transit Oriented Development (TOD) approach, which
emphasises heritage protection and appropriate scale. There also appears to be uncertainty as to whether
the site falls within the 400 m TOD zone.
In its current form, this proposal is excessive, insensitive to its surroundings, and fails to address its serious
impacts on heritage, amenity, and the environment. I urge the consent authority to reject the application and
require a design that respects the heritage and character of Lindfield.
Yours faithfully,
Stephen Wright
15/3 Gladstone Parade
Lindfield NSW 2070
Mobile: 0412 774 430
Email: [email protected]