PROJECT: Indigo by Moran (SSD-76220734)
Location: 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen
To: NSW Planning / Northern Beaches Council

OPENING STATEMENT
Residents of Narrabeen are united in opposing the proposed Indigo by Moran development on the fragile sandbar between the ocean and the lagoon. This quiet coastal neighbourhood is not the right place for a large, high-rise complex that would upset the area’s natural balance, is prone flooding and erosion, and destroy the peaceful character that makes Narrabeen unique.
We urge Council and NSW Planning to protect our coastline and community from inappropriate overdevelopment.

FORMAL OBJECTION
I object to the proposed Indigo by Moran development at 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen (SSD-76220734) for the following reasons:

1. Exceeds Local Height Limits (Clause 4.3 Height of Buildings)
 - The site is covered by height controls under the Northern Beaches LEP Height of Buildings Map. Development in Narrabeen is generally restricted to around 8.5 to 11 metres to maintain the low-rise coastal character. This proposal appears to exceed that limit and should not be approved without a valid Clause 4.6 variation, which has not been demonstrated.

2. Ecologically Fragile Location - 
The land lies between Narrabeen Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean on a narrow sandbar that provides essential natural protection from flooding and coastal erosion. Large-scale excavation and construction will destabilise the dunes, pollute the lagoon, and damage wildlife habitats.

3. Coastal Hazard and Flood Risk
The area is already identified as vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea-level rise. Increasing built density here goes against coastal planning principles and increases risk to both property and public safety.

4. Incompatible with Neighbourhood Character - 
Ocean Street and Lagoon Street are defined by low-rise homes, open spaces, and coastal vegetation. A bulky multi-storey complex would dominate the skyline, increase already high traffic and parking pressure, and permanently change the village atmosphere of Narrabeen.

5. Poor Understanding of Local Conditions - 
The NSW Government and major developers are making greed based decisions about small neighbourhoods like ours without genuine understanding of local geography, community, or environmental conditions. Planning decisions made from a distance ignore the unique ecological sensitivity of this area and the lived experience of residents who understand the sandbar’s fragility.

6. Misplaced Development Priorities - 
Instead of targeting intact, natural, and thriving suburbs such as Narrabeen, the NSW Government should focus on redeveloping and repurposing decaying urban corridors such as Parramatta Road, Canterbury Road, and other underused industrial zones. These areas already have the infrastructure and zoning to accommodate higher density. Destroying pristine coastal environments and established communities undermines what makes Sydney and NSW special - the balance between urban life and natural beauty.

REQUEST
I respectfully ask that the consent authority refuse this application in its current form.
Please uphold local height limits, protect the sandbar environment, and ensure development occurs in areas that genuinely need renewal, not in unspoiled coastal communities.

The project is completely out of character with existing residences on the Narrabeen Peninsular .
A six story building will be twice the height of the tallest buildings in the area. A building of that scale will permanently alter the nature of buildings in the immediate area, on a sand peninsular that is an iconic part of the Northern Beaches,of worldwide renown and the home of the Narrabeen Surfing Reserve.
The Peninsular is currently barely maintaining an environmental balance between development and sustainability.
The existing Paper Bark grove on the western side of this site is the only grove of that nature remaining on the Peninsular, its removal will affect the amenity of the whole of Lagoon St.
The Peninsular is already bursting with traffic and lack of availability of parking, the Peninsular is simply not capable of meeting the requirements of residences of this density.
I do not understand why this development is allowed to completely alter existing planning limits, if this development is accepted does that mean that all residential blocks in this are can be developed to 6 stories?

I am definitely against this development being built, there is a perfectly good building that has been there for years, the streets around this development are not coping with traffic and this will make it worse plus the height of this proposed building will forever change Narrabeen and make it look ugly like Dee Why. Why is this a state government project?? Seems very sneaky, the locals aren’t happy at all and it should be going through Northern Beaches Council so all of us locals know about this and can submit the disapproval within the time frame. We only know because of a letter in our box just yesterday and then only 10 days to submit. I pray that this doesn’t happen, we don’t want Narrabeen to look like Dee Why or the Gold Coast. You will ruin our beautiful suburb with this!

I strongly object to the Indigo by Moran Seniors Living proposal as it stands. The proposed 5–6 storey height is far too tall for our low-rise neighbourhood and will negatively impact traffic, parking, and the local character. I urge the Department to reduce the building height to no more than 2–3 storeys and lower the overall density to better fit our community.
I have lived on Ocean Street for five years and walk my dog along it twice a day, parking and visibility is already a problem in the area, and this proposal will definitely make it worse.
While I appreciate the housing issue in NSW, this particular proposed development as it currently stands will not make any improvement for the two most vulnerable groups impacted.

Dear Major Projects Planning Department,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development at 156 Ocean Street Narrabeen, as a local resident of Ocean Street. While I recognise the importance of thoughtful and sustainable growth, this proposal would have a significant negative impact on the established character, atmosphere, and liveability of our community.

1. Inconsistency with Neighbourhood Character and Community Atmosphere
Our area is defined by its low-rise / low-density / residential / village-style environment and strong sense of community. There are currently no buildings of this scale, height, or design within the immediate area. Introducing a development of this kind would be entirely out of character and set a concerning precedent for future overdevelopment.

The proposal would change the local atmosphere from one of space and community connection to one of congestion and anonymity. The charm and cohesiveness that residents value would be eroded, and the visual impact alone would disrupt the established look and feel of the neighbourhood.

2. Increased Traffic and Parking Congestion
The proposed development would bring a significant increase in vehicles and parking demand. This development would worsen traffic flow, increase noise, and reduce safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and families who regularly use these streets.

3. Lack of Meaningful Community Consultation
Perhaps most concerning is the absence of genuine community engagement throughout this process. Many residents were unaware of the proposal until recently and have had limited opportunity to voice their concerns or seek clarification on key aspects of the development.

Developments that alter the fabric of a community should not proceed without transparent consultation and demonstrated local support. Proceeding without this undermines public confidence in the planning process and disregards the people most directly affected by the change.

Conclusion
For these reasons, I respectfully request that Council refuse this application, or at the very least require substantial revisions to ensure it aligns with the area’s established character and community expectations. I also urge Council to facilitate a more transparent and inclusive consultation process before any further consideration of this proposal.

Thank you for taking the time to review my submission. I would appreciate being kept informed of any updates or further opportunities for input regarding this development.

Yours sincerely,
Jessica Van Der Meer
6/96 Ocean Street
0456238664
[email protected]

Dear All
After understanding that an up to 6 storey high senior living apartment style building is being proposed I want to raise my concerns. Such a high building isn’t typically found in this area. I strongly think that this type of building is not reflecting the Narrabeen way of living with rather lower buildings. This proposed building looks like a huge block not matching surrounding buildings.
I believe and fear that the construction works for such an huge building will destroy the live style in this area for many years.

Regards
Henrik

I am a local resident and homeowner living directly across the street from the proposed development site. I have young children and am deeply concerned about the significant negative impacts this development will have on our community, residential amenity, and local environment.

I OBJECT to this development application for the following reasons:

**1. DESIGN INCONSISTENT WITH NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND AESTHETIC IMPACT**

The proposed 5-6 storey development is grossly out of character with the existing low-rise residential streetscape of Narrabeen. This area is characterized by predominantly single and double-storey dwellings that complement the natural coastal environment. The scale and mass of this development will create significant negative aesthetic externalities, fundamentally altering the character of our neighbourhood and diminishing property values for surrounding residents.

The design fails to respect the natural environment and coastal setting that defines Narrabeen's identity and appeal.

**2. INADEQUATE PARKING AND SEVERE TRAFFIC IMPACTS**

The parking provision is woefully inadequate and will create dangerous traffic conditions:

- Only 7 visitor parking spaces out of 192 total spaces for a 149-unit development plus 10-bed care facility is grossly insufficient
- This will inevitably result in visitor parking spillover onto local residential streets, which are already at capacity
- **Octavia Street is particularly critical**: this street currently does not handle two-way traffic flow adequately, resulting in dangerous backlogs onto Lagoon Street and Ocean Street
- These traffic bottlenecks create hazardous conditions for residents, particularly families with young children
- The cumulative traffic from 149 independent living units will generate significant additional vehicle movements throughout the day
- No adequate traffic management plan addresses the existing infrastructure deficiencies
- Emergency vehicle access may be compromised during peak periods

The local street network is already failing to cope with current traffic volumes. Adding this development without substantial infrastructure upgrades is irresponsible and dangerous.

**3. OVERSHADOWING AND LOSS OF NATURAL LIGHT**

The 6-storey height will cast significant shadows over neighbouring residential properties, resulting in:

- Loss of natural light to adjacent homes and gardens
- Reduced solar access impacting energy efficiency and wellbeing
- Diminished amenity and enjoyment of private outdoor spaces
- Negative impacts on property values due to overshadowing

For families like mine living directly across the street, this loss of natural light will materially affect our quality of life and the usability of our homes and yards.

**4. ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION - NATIVE TREES AND WILDLIFE HABITAT**

The development requires demolition of existing structures and will result in the destruction of local and native trees that provide:

- Essential habitat for local bird populations
- Mature tree canopy that contributes to the area's character
- Environmental benefits including air quality, temperature regulation, and stormwater management
- Biodiversity values that cannot be quickly replaced

The loss of established trees and wildlife habitat is inconsistent with environmental protection objectives and will permanently diminish the natural character of the area.

**5. OVERDEVELOPMENT AND EXCESSIVE SCALE**

This development represents significant overdevelopment of the site:

- 159 total dwellings/beds (149 units + 10 care beds) is excessive density for this location
- 3 levels of basement parking indicate the site cannot adequately accommodate the proposed density at grade
- The 5-6 storey height is incompatible with surrounding low-rise residential development
- The development footprint maximizes site coverage with insufficient consideration for neighbouring amenity

**6. SAFETY CONCERNS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES**

As a parent of young children living directly opposite this site, I have serious safety concerns:

- Increased traffic volume and congestion creates hazardous conditions for children walking to school, playing, or cycling
- Construction phase will involve heavy vehicles and machinery for an extended period, creating danger and disruption
- The scale of the development will attract significant additional traffic to residential streets where children play
- Inadequate visitor parking will result in dangerous parking maneuvers and street congestion

**7. CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS**

The proposal involves:

- Demolition of multiple existing buildings
- Excavation of 3 levels of basement (substantial earthworks)
- Construction of a 6-storey building
- Construction period likely to extend 18-24+ months

This will result in:

- Extended noise, dust, and vibration impacts on neighbouring residents
- Heavy vehicle movements through residential streets
- Disruption to daily life for surrounding families
- Potential structural impacts on neighbouring properties from excavation
- Reduced air quality during construction

**8. INADEQUATE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION**

The exhibition period of only two weeks (23 October - 5 November 2025) is insufficient for a development of this scale and impact. Residents deserve adequate time to review technical documents and formulate comprehensive responses to a development that will permanently alter our neighbourhood.

**9. PRECEDENT CONCERNS**

Approval of this development will set a dangerous precedent for:

- Overdevelopment of other sites in Narrabeen
- Inappropriate building heights in established residential areas
- Inadequate parking provision becoming acceptable
- Developer interests overriding community concerns and existing character

**CONCLUSION**

This development is fundamentally inappropriate for this location. It:

- Exceeds appropriate scale and density for the site and surrounding area
- Fails to provide adequate parking or address existing traffic problems
- Will destroy established trees and wildlife habitat
- Creates unacceptable amenity impacts through overshadowing
- Poses safety risks to local families and children
- Is inconsistent with the natural coastal character of Narrabeen

I urge the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to REFUSE this application. If the site is to be redeveloped, it must be at a scale consistent with the surrounding area (maximum 2-3 storeys), with adequate parking provision, preservation of significant trees, and genuine consideration for existing residents' amenity and safety.

The current proposal prioritizes developer profit over community wellbeing, environmental protection, and appropriate planning principles.

I request that this submission be given full consideration in the assessment process.

Yours sincerely

I am writing to formally object to the proposed 6-storey retirement living development on ocean street in narrabeen. While I understand the need for appropriate senior housing options within our community, this proposal is inappropriate in scale, height, and impact for the surrounding residential area.

The proposed six-storey structure is incompatible with the existing built form of the neighbourhood, which primarily consists of single-storey / two-storey dwellings / low-rise developments. The excessive height and bulk would dominate the local streetscape, creating an imposing and inconsistent visual impact that does not fit in with this community.

The proposal’s six-storey height is not consistent with the prevailing built form of much of the Northern Beaches local government area, particularly in low to moderate density residential zones where two to three storey development is the norm. According to NBC’s “Planning Controls” overview, development decisions in the Northern Beaches are governed by the Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) and Development Control Plans (DCPs) of the former Manly, Pittwater and Warringah councils. 

Further, recent amendments to DCPs for “Low and Mid-Rise Housing Areas” indicate that NBC is seeking to protect tree canopy, appropriate setbacks, and limit the number of storeys to maintain privacy and amenity. The proposed six-storeys therefore appears contrary to the intent of these controls which emphasise reduced bulk, scale and height in established suburban settings

The proposal would introduce a substantial increase in traffic volume along ocean street, lagoon street and Pittwater road, which is already subject to congestion and limited street parking. The likely influx of staff, visitors, deliveries, and service vehicles will exacerbate local traffic issues and pose safety risks, particularly for pedestrians, school children, and elderly residents.

It should also be noted that parking provisions will be insufficient to accommodate expected demand of this development, leading to overflow parking on nearby residential streets.

The scale of the building would require extensive excavation, likely affecting drainage, soil stability, and local vegetation. Additionally, increased noise during both construction and operation will disturb the quiet residential character of the area.

A six-storey building in what is a lower-rise residential street will cast substantial shadows over neighbouring properties, gardens and outdoor living areas — particularly in the morning and late afternoon in our east-coast location. The elevated bulk will also likely reduce privacy for adjacent dwellings, where upper-floor windows and balconies may overlook private open space and habitable rooms of neighbours.

In an area such as the Narrabeen, where residential amenity and garden settings are key features of the built environment, these adverse impacts should be given full weight.

The proposal represents overdevelopment of the site, failing to respect the intended density and built-form controls of the local planning framework. A smaller-scale, well-designed development — such as a two- to three-storey facility — would be far more appropriate and better integrated with the community as with keeping with the current facilities build height.

In light of the above, I respectfully urge Council to refuse this application or require the applicant to present a substantially revised scheme that reduces the number of storeys, lowers the overall height and bulk, increases setbacks and landscaping, and provides a design that properly respects the character, amenity and environment of our local community.

Thank you for the opportunity to lodge this submission. I trust the Council will give full consideration to the concerns of local residents in the assessment of this proposal.

Yours sincerely,
Lindsay Turner

To whom it may concern,
Upon review of the DA submitted and proposed at Indigo St, Narrabeen, NSW - I strongly object. The proposed apartment complex is not only an imposing structure on neighbouring properties, that does not provide affordable housing or amenities to the numerous young families and long term local residents but also impacts privacy, security and lifestyle of those home owners that surround the proposed site. It is not in keeping with the quiet lifestyle that Narrabeen is known for, will drive up housing prices in an already inflated market (limiting accessibility for young local families to stay in area) and will put significant strain on local resources including limited street parking, small and under developed local schools, limited childcare and public transport options.

The height of the building is way over the allowed height deemed by council. I understand that we are in a period of required housing and I don't think that anyone would object to units in the area but it has to reasonable. This will essentially plunge the southern properties into darkness for half of the year. And the preditory nature of low balling for the house on the corner of Octavia and Lagoon shows you the mentality of the development applicants. They are after extreme profit and do not care about the area at all. The residents in the area have invested large amounts of capital into their houses and this size of this development is ruining there livelihood. The attachment included should show you all you need to know.