To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to object to the proposed development at 47 Darby St. This is due to a number of reasons.

Firstly, the proposed "luxury apartments" will do nothing to alleviate the housing crisis; struggling families are clearly not the intended residents. More homes are welcome, but there is no reason that greater density cannot be achieved with buildings which respect the neighbourhoods in which they are built. It is also perfectly achievable, given examples from this country's architectural past and from overseas, that affordable housing need not come in the form of tasteless grey boxes, but can be beautiful.

Nevertheless, if 'luxury' is the intended aim, why does it look so tacky and cheap? It seems that its only allure is the pretense of an already dated vision of modernity which ages like milk every time it is attempted. This is why Sydney has become so hideous, and it would be a tragedy if Newcastle were to follow the example of such an ugly and poorly developed city.

It is therefore unsurprising that the impetus for this building comes from decisions made in Sydney where the State government, at the behest of developers, wishes to export this disease to the rest of the state.

My reasons for objecting:

Too high for the area. It is Multiple times the height of the previous maximum allowed in the zone.

Poor traffic management plans around busy pedestrian areas.

Overshadowing neighbouring properties, decreasing their value through what is essentially a wealth transfer from their owners to the developers.

No low incomes housing provision makes a mockery of the public interest argument for the overdevelopment.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
I am submitting this application on behalf of my aunt, Eily Gregg, who has lived in Tyrrell Street, across the road and a few doors up from the proposed development site at 118 Tyrrell Street for over 25 years.
We strongly object to the proposed development for the following reasons:
1. There is a blatant disregard to the current building height, bulk and scale of the surrounding areas of The Hill and Cooks Hill.
The proposed developments bulk, scale and height is way out of scale with the surrounding built environment. If approved, this will set a dangerous precedent for the area with far reaching consequences for the village like atmosphere of Darby Street - loved by locals and tourists alike - which is currently predominantly two stories.
2. Disruption and negative impact on traffic and parking.
Tyrrell Street and surrounding streets have very limited parking as it is. This is particularly noticeable at peak school times when there is already double parking in the street. A massive development such as the one proposed for 47 Tyrrell Street will only negatively impact an already significant issue with increased traffic and greater competition for parking space.
3. Lack of amenity and privacy.
With the proposed new building height of up to 45metres/13 Stories for 47 Tyrrell Street, my aunts house would be compromised both by a loss of views to the South West and to privacy for her South facing bedroom and bathroom. ie There would be a negative impact on amenity and privacy.
4. Other locations for dedicated highrise.
Newcastle City Council has already set aside sizeable parcels of land that cater specifically for high rise development. This development would be better suited to one of those already dedicated zones.

Final Comment:
The new Newcastle Art Gallery on Darby Street at the foot of Tyrrell Street is a wonderful example of urban planning and design. It succeeds in making contemporary a precinct that is steeped in history without destroying its village-like atmosphere, an atmosphere that is a drawcard to both locals and tourists alike. We would hate to see the beautiful heart of Newcastle (The Hill, Darby Street, Cooks Hill) be destroyed by an over zealous developer!

Sincerely,
Rebecca Gregg (niece) on behalf of Eily Gregg