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Susan Ansell
Object
NARRABEEN , New South Wales
Message
To whom it may concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed SSD development in Narrabeen, Indigo by Moran.

As a local resident (Loftus Street) in my 60s who is deeply invested in the future of our community, I fully support thoughtful growth, genuine social housing initiatives, and considered planning. However, this proposal is neither responsible nor aligned with the local planning framework or community character.

KEY CONCERNS:

1. Height and Zoning Breach

Narrabeen was re-zoned by the NSW Government only last year to a maximum of three storeys for housing. Yet this proposal seeks six storeys—double the permitted height.
This is inconsistent with the process that led to the zoning decision and sets a dangerous precedent for future development that ignores planning controls.

2. Misuse of “Social and Diverse Housing” Classification

From my understanding, this proposal is being processed under Social and Diverse Housing provisions and considerations. However, only 10 of 149 units are designated for assisted living. The remaining apartments are forecasted to be sold at around $3 million plus each.
It is difficult to see how luxury apartments qualify as “social or diverse housing,” and it looks like a planning loophole is being used to by-pass appropriate scrutiny.

3. Significant Light and Privacy Impacts

A six-storey structure of this scale will overshadow neighbouring properties, impact natural light, reduce privacy, and negatively affect the amenity of long-standing family homes.

4. Water Table & Structural Impact

Narrabeen’s water table sits at approximately 15 metres—where our bore currently draws from. A three-storey underground garage with major foundations is an evident environmental and geotechnical risk.
There has been inadequate assessment provided on how this will affect groundwater, especially in such a sensitive location.

5. Inadequate Parking Provision

Only seven visitor parking spaces for 149 units is unrealistic and irresponsible. Our streets already experience heavy parking pressure, and this will inevitably push overflow parking into an area that has very limited street capacity. A garbage truck can barely squeeze down our neighbouring side street, Loftus Street, at the best of times. We already feel the squeeze of inadequate parking.

6. Increased Traffic and Disruption and Flow

The development will significantly increase traffic on Lagoon Street and Ocean Street. Ocean Street carries consistent traffic for much of the day (with a natural increase at peak times). It is also an arterial road, assisting traffic that needs to move both north and south daily towards the peninsula and the city.

Both the construction phase and long-term occupation will create congestion and safety risks for residents, pedestrians and families.

7. Community Character and Precedent

This proposal does not reflect the established character of Narrabeen. Allowing a six-storey build here opens the door to further inappropriate height creep across the suburb—effectively undoing the careful zoning work completed just last year!

RELEVENT POLICY CONTEXT:
(Please let me know if incorrect as is taken from policy documents that may have been further updated since)

To support my objection, I highlight key relevant NSW planning policies:

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (“Housing SEPP”) is the principal state instrument governing residential development in NSW.
The Low and Mid‑Rise Housing Policy (LMR Policy) is embedded via Chapter 6 of the Housing SEPP (through the Amending Instrument from 28 February 2025).
Under this policy:
For designated “low and mid-rise housing inner areas” (within about 400 metres of a town centre or transport node), the consent authority must be satisfied that residential flat buildings are up to six storeys (and up to approx. 22 m height) in specified locations.
For “outer areas” (up to 800 m from centres) the cap drops to four storeys (approx. 17.5 m) for residential flat buildings.

Importantly, these state-wide controls are minimums and do not override local zoning controls which impose lower height limits and protect amenity, character and infrastructure capacity. Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) and Development Control Plans (DCPs) remain fundamentally relevant.

Local council planning documents within the Northern Beaches Council area show that deviations of more than ~90% above maximum permitted height have been treated as significant non-compliance.

In this case, not only is the proposal well above the local maximum of three storeys, but the contextual characteristics of the site (water table, street capacity, parking, traffic, amenity) aggregate to show that this development is inconsistent with both the policy intention and the local planning framework.

CONCLUSION:

I am not opposed to development, progress or genuine social housing. I want to see Narrabeen thrive. But development must respect planning controls, the environment, the community and the character of the area.

This development should be scaled appropriately to the legislated three-storey limit (or whatever local zoning direct states). Allowing six storeys here undermines that process.

I strongly request that this proposal be rejected in its current form. A revised plan—adhering to the three‐storey zoning consistent with community expectations and government guidance—would be far more acceptable.

Thank you for considering this objection. I trust that the planning process will uphold fairness, transparency and the principles intended by the recent rezoning and state policy.

Yours sincerely,

Susan Ansell
Stephanie Catteau
Object
NARRABEEN , New South Wales
Message
To Whom It May Concern,

Re: Objection to Proposed Development – Indigo Moran, 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen.
Submission (SUB-97542213)

My name is Stephanie Catteau, and I am a resident of 23 Lisle Street, Narrabeen 2101. I am writing as a concerned member of the local community to formally object to the proposed Indigo Moran development at 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen.

I am deeply concerned and outraged by the scale and physical impact of this proposed development on our neighbourhood. The density and height of the buildings are completely out of character with the surrounding area and will have severe consequences for the local community, including:

Traffic and congestion: The existing road network and parking capacity in Narrabeen cannot support the significant increase in vehicles that this development will bring. The area is already congested, particularly during peak times and weekends, and additional apartments and cars will worsen safety and accessibility for residents, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Excessive building height and bulk: The proposed heights far exceed the existing character of the suburb. Such large-scale structures will dominate the skyline, block views, and create an oppressive visual impact that does not fit within the established low-rise coastal village atmosphere of Narrabeen.

Loss of trees and green space: The removal of mature trees and vegetation is unacceptable. These trees are essential for maintaining local biodiversity, providing shade, and contributing to the natural beauty and environmental health of the area.

Overshadowing and loss of amenity: The proposed buildings will cause significant overshadowing of neighbouring streets and properties, reducing sunlight, privacy, and general liveability for existing residents.

Lack of genuine community consultation: Many local residents, including myself, were not informed or consulted during the planning process. This lack of engagement is deeply disappointing and suggests that community voices have not been adequately considered.

In summary, the scale, density, and design of this project are inappropriate for this location and would cause lasting negative impacts on the character, environment, and liveability of Narrabeen. I strongly urge the Planning Department to reject this proposal and to prioritise developments that align with sustainable growth, community values, and the preservation of our local environment.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Kind regards,
Stephanie Catteau
23 Lisle Street
Narrabeen NSW 2101
Michael Young
Object
NORTH NARRABEEN , New South Wales
Message
I am a resident of North Narrabeen and a frequent user of Ocean Street, Lagoon Street and the surrounding local area. I am deeply concerned about the proposed “Indigo by Moran” State Significant Development at 156 Ocean Street.

This submission outlines my objection to the proposal on planning, environmental and social grounds. My concerns relate primarily to incompatibility with local character, excessive height and scale, inadequate traffic and parking provision, and environmental unsuitability given the site’s sensitive coastal location.

1. Incompatibility with Local Character and Planning Controls

The proposal is fundamentally inconsistent with the Northern Beaches Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Narrabeen’s established coastal village character.
• Excessive height and bulk: The proposed six-storey (approx. 21m) structure dramatically exceeds the prevailing building height in the surrounding residential area, which is predominantly two to three storeys. This will result in visual dominance and overshadowing of neighbouring properties, beaches, and public reserves.
• Precedent risk: Approving a development of this magnitude will set a dangerous precedent for similar large-scale “seniors housing” projects along the Northern Beaches, undermining the area’s low-rise coastal identity.
• Inconsistent urban form: The building’s bulk and modern form do not integrate with the existing urban fabric or the character of Ocean Street and Lagoon Street, which are defined by smaller-scale residential dwellings and coastal open space.

2. Unsuitability of the Site for State Significant Seniors Housing

While providing housing for seniors is important, this site is not suitable for the proposed scale or typology.
• Limited walkability and accessibility: The steep terrain, distance from shops and medical facilities, and lack of public transport connectivity make the location impractical for over-60s independent living.
• Environmental vulnerability: The site lies within the coastal hazard zone and is exposed to potential flooding, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise risks. Developing at this intensity is inconsistent with the Coastal Management Act 2016 and State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards).
• Tokenistic assisted-living component: Only 10 assisted-living beds are proposed out of 149 units, which fails to meet genuine seniors-housing needs and suggests the development is primarily a luxury apartment complex.

3. Traffic, Parking and Access Impacts

The proposal will exacerbate existing traffic congestion and parking stress along Ocean Street and connecting roads.
• Inadequate parking provision: With only 178 car spaces for 149 units and staff, the shortfall will force overflow parking onto surrounding residential streets such as Lagoon, Octavia, and Loftus Streets. This will worsen congestion, reduce resident amenity, and compromise pedestrian safety.
• Increased service and construction traffic: Heavy vehicle movements during and after construction will add significant safety risks, especially near pedestrian crossings and narrow coastal roads frequently used by children, cyclists, and beachgoers.
• Cumulative impact: Ocean Street already experiences congestion due to beach traffic, surf club activity, and weekend visitors. Adding this volume of permanent vehicle movements is unsustainable.

4. Environmental and Amenity Impacts
• Shadowing and loss of privacy: The proposed building height will result in significant overshadowing of nearby homes and public open space, reducing solar access and residential amenity.
• Stormwater and drainage concerns: Increased impervious surfaces will intensify runoff into Narrabeen Lagoon and surrounding drainage systems, increasing flood risks.
• Visual impact on the coastal landscape: The development will be highly visible from the beach, lagoon, and surrounding headlands, conflicting with the scenic coastal landscape values protected under the Coastal Design Guidelines 2023

5. Conclusion

For the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to SSD-76220734 – Indigo by Moran, 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen.

The proposal:
• Conflicts with the existing character of Narrabeen;
• Fails to respect local height, density, and environmental controls;
• Introduces unacceptable traffic, parking, and safety impacts; and
• Is unsuitable for seniors housing in its current form.

I urge the Department of Planning to refuse the application or, at minimum, require substantial redesign to align with the surrounding low-rise context, local planning framework, and environmental constraints.

Regards,
Michael Young
Name Withheld
Object
Narrabeen , New South Wales
Message
I am writing as a resident of Ocean Street to formally object to the proposed 6-storey over 50 development.

Grounds for Objection

Inconsistent with Local Character
There are currently no 6-storey buildings within this suburb. The existing streetscape is characterised by low- to medium-rise residential dwellings, typically between one and three storeys. Introducing a 6-storey building would be visually intrusive and inconsistent with the established character of Ocean Street and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Conflict with Planning Intent and Density Expectations
To my knowledge, there has been no indication from the State Government or Council in recent strategic planning proposals that this area is intended for high-density or 6-storey development. The scale and intensity of this proposal appear to exceed what is envisaged under current planning frameworks and would set an undesirable precedent for future overdevelopment.

Unacceptable Visual and Amenity Impacts
The proposed height will overshadow neighbouring properties, reduce privacy, and create an overbearing bulk when viewed from the street and adjoining residences. This will have a significant negative impact on the amenity and enjoyment of existing residents.

Traffic and Parking Concerns
Ocean Street is already experiencing traffic congestion and limited on-street parking. A high-density building of this scale will further strain local infrastructure and reduce safety and accessibility for residents and visitors.

Environmental and Infrastructure Capacity
It is unclear whether local infrastructure—including stormwater, waste collection, and public transport—has the capacity to accommodate a development of this size without negatively impacting existing residents.

Conclusion

For these reasons, I respectfully request that Council refuse this Development Application in its current form. I urge Council to ensure that any future development on this site aligns with the existing character, height limits, and strategic vision for Ocean Street and the wider suburb.

Thank you for considering my submission. I would appreciate being kept informed of any further progress or amendments to this application.
sandro D'amore
Comment
NARRABEEN , New South Wales
Message
My property borders , on the proposed multiple level apartment / retirement home, I am not a builder , my home is in great conditions , they are going to dig a carpark {3 levels} below ground level { 3 / 4 level above } apartments , I wish to request a licensed : eg - local council / gov't engineer, surveyor , or builder OR all of them do a report on the condition of my house before and after the construction of this dwelling - I am very concerned.
Name Withheld
Object
NARRABEEN , New South Wales
Message
The proposed six-storey development on Ocean Street is inconsistent with the established low-rise coastal character of Narrabeen, introducing excessive bulk and scale that would dominate the streetscape and diminish the area’s visual harmony. Its height and massing would create significant overshadowing on neighbouring dwellings, reducing sunlight to private open spaces well beyond acceptable limits, while upper-level balconies and windows would directly overlook adjoining properties, eroding privacy and amenity. The resulting density and scale represent over-development for the site, compromising both the livability and coastal village identity that define this community.
Rhonda Mawer
Object
NORTH NARRABEEN , New South Wales
Message
I strongly object to the size of this development. 5-6 storeys is way too high for this street including the extra traffic it will cause on a road that is already busy . It does not fit in with the beachside residences . Three storeys in line with other buildings in the area would be a much better outcome .
Carol Tippett
Object
Narrabeen , New South Wales
Message
I object to the current building height and the number of dwellings.
I do not object to a building height of 3 levels.
We do not have the infrastructure to house this many people.
The building height is ridiculously out of character for this area.
The whole peninsular is over built and therefore over populated.
This is a money grabbing exercise by the developers.
We have no decent roads in or out.
Our hospital was moved to the end of 1 laned flood prone and then gated 'shut' Wakehurst Parkway.
Mona vale road works were stopped by government making it also 1 lane each way in places
So absolutely not 6 stories on Ocean St
Over population, over sized, overshadowing neighbouring properties, not enough street parking as it is, no proper crossings for safety.

Our only mode of transport is by bus service that can't cope with the amount of people using it
Bella Foster
Object
NARRABEEN , New South Wales
Message
Having 150 units being built is absolutely ridiculous, there is no parking as it is on the streets and having 150 units with probably two people living in each is only going to make our streets more busy. Narrabeen isn’t built to have units like that. Please don’t do this.
Scott Dickson
Object
NARRABEEN , New South Wales
Message
Six stories on Lagoon street with no parking? This will create traffic chaos and it not aligned with the rest of the suburb. This is a private enterprise and will add no value to the local community. Sure keep it as a retirement village, 3 stories maximum. Based on what I can see of the development it is a monstrosity and should not be allowed to proceed given the impact on the local community via Overlook and traffic congestion.

Pagination

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