Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
WATERLOO
,
New South Wales
Message
The ammenities are not sufficient to support the current population, let alone an increase. The privatisation of the 320 and 304 along with limited 392 services - buses are unable to cope. The Metro is placed in Alexandria not Waterloo and is unsafe to be for older people and women after dark. The 304 needs to run more frequently in peak hour. The 320 needs to resume running at least to Wynyard (it used to go over the bridge but not only stops at Central). The proposed development doesn’t include gyms, pools, or sufficient parking for the area. Regardless of metro area requirements - you should follow ACT and build enough spots underground for everyone to own a car as you wish to put bikes on the roads. Most Australians road trip and have family interstate and prefer to have freedom of cars. This is not going to change. This removes parked cars and enables use of additional lanes without obscene construction costs. Additionally Crown st and Baptist st could use additional development and road redesign to allow flow of traffic and still support business. It is a major thoroughfare for Waterloo. The Bus Stop as you are travelling towards Zetland from the City past the Surry Hills Village but before Phillip St can be removed. Jutting out the bus lanes along crown creates traffic and stops the 8000 people living here being able to drive up it. That was a terrible decision and a waste of money - the flow of traffic is terrible. The height of the propose building is gargantuan and unnecessary. Current height approvals are more than sufficient. Additionally, the wind tunnel that exists along potter st and surrounding areas will be worsened. The density proposed is obscene without genuine thought out common sense logic. You fail to service the current population adequately and have already privatised the bus routes. Density will also be increased in surrounding areas like Zetland and Waterloo near the metro. Without adequate parking mandated for these buildings you will destroy Sydney. It is a wealthy city with wealthy people that want to be able to drive their nice car. We have to have cars for work, to see family, travel to investment properties or simply holiday without wanting to pay a gross amount to rent a car. Bit of a disgusting grab from the developer and would be an absolute blight on the current government administrations overseeing the go ahead that have failed to be able to think at a wholistic level thinking of every important part. Projects like this will kill Sydney if not done sensibly with action on community ammenities and the facilitation of the Australian Sydney lifestyle.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
WATERLOO
,
New South Wales
Message
Objection to Proposed Development at 881–885 and 903–921 Bourke Street
I wish to formally object to the proposed development based on the following concerns regarding its impact on the local community and environment.
1. Infrastructure Strain
The proposed increase in residents will place significant and unacceptable pressure on already overburdened infrastructure. Local transport services, including the 304 bus and peak-hour train services from Green Square, are currently operating at or near capacity. It is not uncommon for buses to pass stops without picking up passengers due to overcrowding. This development would exacerbate these issues without any clear plan to improve transport capacity.
2. Insufficient Public Amenities
Existing public amenities are already under strain and are not keeping pace with population growth. Facilities such as local libraries are frequently overcrowded, making it difficult for residents to access basic community resources. The addition of hundreds of new residents will further diminish accessibility and reduce overall quality of life.
3. Visually Overbearing Scale
The proposed height and bulk of the development are excessive and out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood. The scale of the buildings would dominate the streetscape, creating a visually intrusive presence that undermines the established character and amenity of the area.
4. Overshadowing Impacts
The cumulative effect of the two large towers at 903–921 Bourke Street and the additional tower at 881–885 Bourke Street will result in significant overshadowing, particularly during winter months. This will negatively impact nearby homes, streets, and public open spaces, reducing access to natural light and overall livability.
5. Wind Tunnel Effects
The scale and configuration of the proposed towers are likely to create wind tunnel effects at street level. This will reduce pedestrian comfort and detract from the usability and enjoyment of public spaces.
6. Inadequate Parking Provision
The proposal includes 233 additional apartments but provides only 20 extra parking spaces. This is clearly insufficient and will inevitably increase on-street parking demand in an already congested area. The resulting competition for parking will negatively impact residents, visitors, and local businesses.
Conclusion
In its current form, this development fails to adequately address its significant impacts on infrastructure, amenity, and the character of the neighbourhood. I strongly urge that the proposal be reconsidered or substantially revised to better align with the capacity and needs of the local area.
I wish to formally object to the proposed development based on the following concerns regarding its impact on the local community and environment.
1. Infrastructure Strain
The proposed increase in residents will place significant and unacceptable pressure on already overburdened infrastructure. Local transport services, including the 304 bus and peak-hour train services from Green Square, are currently operating at or near capacity. It is not uncommon for buses to pass stops without picking up passengers due to overcrowding. This development would exacerbate these issues without any clear plan to improve transport capacity.
2. Insufficient Public Amenities
Existing public amenities are already under strain and are not keeping pace with population growth. Facilities such as local libraries are frequently overcrowded, making it difficult for residents to access basic community resources. The addition of hundreds of new residents will further diminish accessibility and reduce overall quality of life.
3. Visually Overbearing Scale
The proposed height and bulk of the development are excessive and out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood. The scale of the buildings would dominate the streetscape, creating a visually intrusive presence that undermines the established character and amenity of the area.
4. Overshadowing Impacts
The cumulative effect of the two large towers at 903–921 Bourke Street and the additional tower at 881–885 Bourke Street will result in significant overshadowing, particularly during winter months. This will negatively impact nearby homes, streets, and public open spaces, reducing access to natural light and overall livability.
5. Wind Tunnel Effects
The scale and configuration of the proposed towers are likely to create wind tunnel effects at street level. This will reduce pedestrian comfort and detract from the usability and enjoyment of public spaces.
6. Inadequate Parking Provision
The proposal includes 233 additional apartments but provides only 20 extra parking spaces. This is clearly insufficient and will inevitably increase on-street parking demand in an already congested area. The resulting competition for parking will negatively impact residents, visitors, and local businesses.
Conclusion
In its current form, this development fails to adequately address its significant impacts on infrastructure, amenity, and the character of the neighbourhood. I strongly urge that the proposal be reconsidered or substantially revised to better align with the capacity and needs of the local area.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
WATERLOO
,
New South Wales
Message
Objection to proposed mixed-use development at 903–921 Bourke Street, Waterloo
I strongly object to the proposed amendment to the approved development at 903–921 Bourke Street, Waterloo, which seeks to add more apartments to an already substantial mixed-use development.
The proposed increase is excessive for this location and would represent serious overdevelopment of the site.
The development would create an extremely high-rise built form that is out of scale with the surrounding Waterloo streetscape.
The tallest element would stand out as one of the most dominant buildings in the immediate area.
The development would visually overpower nearby lower-rise apartment buildings and older residential streets.
The additional height and bulk would create unacceptable overshadowing of neighbouring buildings, streets, open spaces and apartments.
Existing residents should not lose sunlight, outlook and amenity simply so the developer can add hundreds of extra apartments.
Waterloo and surroundig suburbs are already dense inner-city suburbs, and this proposal would push density beyond what the local infrastructure can reasonably support.
Public transport in the immediate area is limited. For many residents, buses are the main practical option, and they are already full or overcrowded at busy times.
The proposal would add hundreds of new residents without a matching increase in transport capacity.
The site is not directly on a train or metro station, so it is misleading to treat it as though it can absorb unlimited density.
Bourke Street, McEvoy Street and surrounding roads already experience congestion, especially during peak times.
More apartments mean more cars, rideshare vehicles, deliveries, removalist vans, visitors and service vehicles.
The local street network is not designed to absorb this level of additional pressure.
Parking and traffic impacts will spill into surrounding residential streets.
There are not enough shops, supermarkets, medical services, childcare places, community facilities or everyday amenities in the immediate area to support such a large increase in population.
Existing residents already rely heavily on nearby suburbs for many basic services.
The proposal risks creating a high-density enclave without adequate supporting infrastructure.
The building bulk would reduce privacy for neighbouring apartments, especially where windows and balconies face existing homes.
The proposal would increase noise from residents, retail uses, loading docks, waste collection, traffic and construction.
Construction impacts would be severe and prolonged, including dust, noise, vibration, truck movements and disruption to nearby residents.
The development would place additional pressure on already limited public open space in Waterloo.
Any public-domain improvements do not compensate for the loss of sunlight, privacy, outlook, neighbourhood character and liveability.
The proposal appears to prioritise apartment yield over good planning, human scale and the wellbeing of existing residents.
The area needs thoughtful, proportionate development, not a major uplift that overwhelms local infrastructure.
Approval would set a concerning precedent for further excessive height and density in Waterloo.
The proposed additional apartments would worsen the urban heat island effect through increased building mass, hard surfaces and reduced sunlight access.
The scale of the development is inconsistent with the character of the local area and would create a jarring built-form outcome.
The cumulative impact of this proposal, together with other developments in Waterloo, Green Square and Alexandria, must be properly considered.
Existing residents should not be expected to absorb endless increases in density without equivalent improvements to transport, schools, parks, roads, services and community infrastructure.
I request that the consent authority refuse the proposed amendment or require a substantial reduction in height, bulk, density and apartment numbers.
At minimum, the proposal should be redesigned to better protect neighbouring residents from overshadowing, traffic, privacy loss, noise and infrastructure strain.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposed development.
I strongly object to the proposed amendment to the approved development at 903–921 Bourke Street, Waterloo, which seeks to add more apartments to an already substantial mixed-use development.
The proposed increase is excessive for this location and would represent serious overdevelopment of the site.
The development would create an extremely high-rise built form that is out of scale with the surrounding Waterloo streetscape.
The tallest element would stand out as one of the most dominant buildings in the immediate area.
The development would visually overpower nearby lower-rise apartment buildings and older residential streets.
The additional height and bulk would create unacceptable overshadowing of neighbouring buildings, streets, open spaces and apartments.
Existing residents should not lose sunlight, outlook and amenity simply so the developer can add hundreds of extra apartments.
Waterloo and surroundig suburbs are already dense inner-city suburbs, and this proposal would push density beyond what the local infrastructure can reasonably support.
Public transport in the immediate area is limited. For many residents, buses are the main practical option, and they are already full or overcrowded at busy times.
The proposal would add hundreds of new residents without a matching increase in transport capacity.
The site is not directly on a train or metro station, so it is misleading to treat it as though it can absorb unlimited density.
Bourke Street, McEvoy Street and surrounding roads already experience congestion, especially during peak times.
More apartments mean more cars, rideshare vehicles, deliveries, removalist vans, visitors and service vehicles.
The local street network is not designed to absorb this level of additional pressure.
Parking and traffic impacts will spill into surrounding residential streets.
There are not enough shops, supermarkets, medical services, childcare places, community facilities or everyday amenities in the immediate area to support such a large increase in population.
Existing residents already rely heavily on nearby suburbs for many basic services.
The proposal risks creating a high-density enclave without adequate supporting infrastructure.
The building bulk would reduce privacy for neighbouring apartments, especially where windows and balconies face existing homes.
The proposal would increase noise from residents, retail uses, loading docks, waste collection, traffic and construction.
Construction impacts would be severe and prolonged, including dust, noise, vibration, truck movements and disruption to nearby residents.
The development would place additional pressure on already limited public open space in Waterloo.
Any public-domain improvements do not compensate for the loss of sunlight, privacy, outlook, neighbourhood character and liveability.
The proposal appears to prioritise apartment yield over good planning, human scale and the wellbeing of existing residents.
The area needs thoughtful, proportionate development, not a major uplift that overwhelms local infrastructure.
Approval would set a concerning precedent for further excessive height and density in Waterloo.
The proposed additional apartments would worsen the urban heat island effect through increased building mass, hard surfaces and reduced sunlight access.
The scale of the development is inconsistent with the character of the local area and would create a jarring built-form outcome.
The cumulative impact of this proposal, together with other developments in Waterloo, Green Square and Alexandria, must be properly considered.
Existing residents should not be expected to absorb endless increases in density without equivalent improvements to transport, schools, parks, roads, services and community infrastructure.
I request that the consent authority refuse the proposed amendment or require a substantial reduction in height, bulk, density and apartment numbers.
At minimum, the proposal should be redesigned to better protect neighbouring residents from overshadowing, traffic, privacy loss, noise and infrastructure strain.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposed development.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
WATERLOO
,
New South Wales
Message
I am a nearby resident and formally object to amending DA SSD-95997711, which proposes to increase apartments at 903–921 Bourke Street from 376 to approximately 626 and to increase building heights. This amendment represents an unacceptable intensification of an already dense precinct without adequate assessment of impacts on existing residents.
GROUND 1 — TRAFFIC CONGESTION
An additional 250 dwellings will materially worsen traffic on Bourke, McEvoy, and Young Streets, which already experience significant congestion. No adequate assessment has been provided of the cumulative traffic impact alongside the neighbouring Coronation proposal (881–885 Bourke St, 850 homes) and Fabcot/Woolworths development (923–935 Bourke St). A revised Traffic Impact Assessment must address peak hour generation, pedestrian safety, and adequacy of basement parking for the increased resident population.
GROUND 2 — ON-STREET PARKING
Residents in the immediately surrounding streets, including Wellington Street, rely entirely on on-street parking as the existing housing stock has no off-street garages or driveways. There is no alternative parking available to these households. Adding 250 new dwellings will introduce significant additional competition for a finite on-street supply. Visitor parking, tradespeople, and basement overflow from the development will spill directly onto local streets. A Parking Impact Assessment must quantify the net impact on surrounding street parking, accounting for existing stress levels before any additional demand is added.
GROUND 3 — NOISE
Noise impacts arise from two sources. During construction, the enlarged building program will expose nearby residents to sustained heavy machinery, piling, and concrete works over an extended period. Strict construction hours must be enforced with a clear resident complaints mechanism. Long-term, the primary noise impact on neighbouring streets will be from the significant increase in traffic generated by 250 additional dwellings — more vehicles, deliveries, and ride-share activity on local streets. This is a permanent impact borne by existing residents and must be modelled and assessed against NSW EPA residential noise criteria.
GROUND 4 — VIEW LOSS AND OVERSHADOWING
The original approval already relied on Clause 4.6 height variations. Further height increases compound these departures without sufficient justification. Winter solstice shadow diagrams and view impact analyses must be provided specifically for the additional height sought in this amendment, demonstrating impacts on surrounding residential properties.
GROUND 5 — CUMULATIVE DENSITY
Three major developments are proposed simultaneously in this precinct: this site (~626 apartments), Coronation at 881–885 Bourke St (850 apartments), and Fabcot at 923–935 Bourke St. The combined population increase is transformative, yet no cumulative infrastructure assessment has been provided. A Cumulative Impact Assessment addressing traffic, parking, open space, utilities, and community services across all three proposals must be required before this amendment is determined.
CONCLUSION
I request the Department require a comprehensive revised EIS addressing cumulative traffic, parking, noise, and amenity impacts; reject any further height increase beyond what is already consented; and impose enforceable conditions protecting nearby residents during construction and operation. I am a resident in close proximity to the site with a direct interest in its proper assessment.
GROUND 1 — TRAFFIC CONGESTION
An additional 250 dwellings will materially worsen traffic on Bourke, McEvoy, and Young Streets, which already experience significant congestion. No adequate assessment has been provided of the cumulative traffic impact alongside the neighbouring Coronation proposal (881–885 Bourke St, 850 homes) and Fabcot/Woolworths development (923–935 Bourke St). A revised Traffic Impact Assessment must address peak hour generation, pedestrian safety, and adequacy of basement parking for the increased resident population.
GROUND 2 — ON-STREET PARKING
Residents in the immediately surrounding streets, including Wellington Street, rely entirely on on-street parking as the existing housing stock has no off-street garages or driveways. There is no alternative parking available to these households. Adding 250 new dwellings will introduce significant additional competition for a finite on-street supply. Visitor parking, tradespeople, and basement overflow from the development will spill directly onto local streets. A Parking Impact Assessment must quantify the net impact on surrounding street parking, accounting for existing stress levels before any additional demand is added.
GROUND 3 — NOISE
Noise impacts arise from two sources. During construction, the enlarged building program will expose nearby residents to sustained heavy machinery, piling, and concrete works over an extended period. Strict construction hours must be enforced with a clear resident complaints mechanism. Long-term, the primary noise impact on neighbouring streets will be from the significant increase in traffic generated by 250 additional dwellings — more vehicles, deliveries, and ride-share activity on local streets. This is a permanent impact borne by existing residents and must be modelled and assessed against NSW EPA residential noise criteria.
GROUND 4 — VIEW LOSS AND OVERSHADOWING
The original approval already relied on Clause 4.6 height variations. Further height increases compound these departures without sufficient justification. Winter solstice shadow diagrams and view impact analyses must be provided specifically for the additional height sought in this amendment, demonstrating impacts on surrounding residential properties.
GROUND 5 — CUMULATIVE DENSITY
Three major developments are proposed simultaneously in this precinct: this site (~626 apartments), Coronation at 881–885 Bourke St (850 apartments), and Fabcot at 923–935 Bourke St. The combined population increase is transformative, yet no cumulative infrastructure assessment has been provided. A Cumulative Impact Assessment addressing traffic, parking, open space, utilities, and community services across all three proposals must be required before this amendment is determined.
CONCLUSION
I request the Department require a comprehensive revised EIS addressing cumulative traffic, parking, noise, and amenity impacts; reject any further height increase beyond what is already consented; and impose enforceable conditions protecting nearby residents during construction and operation. I am a resident in close proximity to the site with a direct interest in its proper assessment.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Waterloo
,
New South Wales
Message
I wish to formally object to the proposed development at 903–921 Bourke Street, Waterloo on the grounds of excessive overshadowing and inadequate solar access, which will negatively impact the amenity of surrounding properties and public spaces.
The proposal appears inconsistent with the solar access and environmental performance objectives outlined in the relevant planning controls administered by the City of Sydney Council. These controls emphasise the importance of maintaining adequate sunlight to habitable rooms, private open spaces, and communal areas—particularly during midwinter conditions when access to sunlight is most limited and most critical to residential amenity.
Based on the scale, height, and massing of the proposed development, it is highly likely that the building will cast significant additional shadows over neighbouring properties and surrounding areas. This is of particular concern during the hours between 9:00am and 3:00pm in midwinter, which are typically used as the benchmark period for assessing solar access. Any substantial reduction in direct sunlight during this period represents a meaningful degradation in living conditions.
The loss of solar access has several tangible impacts, including:
Reduced natural lighting to living rooms and primary living spaces, leading to increased reliance on artificial lighting
Diminished usability and comfort of private open spaces such as balconies and courtyards
Adverse effects on thermal comfort, particularly in winter months where sunlight contributes to passive heating
Broader implications for health and wellbeing, as access to natural light is a key component of residential liveability
In addition to impacts on private dwellings, there is concern that the development may also increase overshadowing of public or communal spaces. If parks, streetscapes, or shared open areas are affected, this would further undermine the quality and usability of the local urban environment and conflict with established urban design principles that prioritise sunlight access to public domain areas.
It is also important to consider cumulative impacts. Waterloo is already experiencing significant urban densification, and the incremental loss of sunlight across multiple developments can result in a substantial overall decline in environmental quality. This proposal contributes to that cumulative burden and should be assessed with that context in mind.
I request that the consent authority:
Require a detailed and transparent overshadowing analysis, including clearly legible shadow diagrams for midwinter conditions at hourly intervals
Demonstrate compliance with applicable solar access standards for neighbouring properties and open spaces
Consider design amendments to reduce the extent of overshadowing, such as lowering building height, reducing bulk, or modifying setbacks and building separation
Until it can be clearly demonstrated that the development will not result in unreasonable loss of solar access or amenity, I do not support the approval of this proposal.
The proposal appears inconsistent with the solar access and environmental performance objectives outlined in the relevant planning controls administered by the City of Sydney Council. These controls emphasise the importance of maintaining adequate sunlight to habitable rooms, private open spaces, and communal areas—particularly during midwinter conditions when access to sunlight is most limited and most critical to residential amenity.
Based on the scale, height, and massing of the proposed development, it is highly likely that the building will cast significant additional shadows over neighbouring properties and surrounding areas. This is of particular concern during the hours between 9:00am and 3:00pm in midwinter, which are typically used as the benchmark period for assessing solar access. Any substantial reduction in direct sunlight during this period represents a meaningful degradation in living conditions.
The loss of solar access has several tangible impacts, including:
Reduced natural lighting to living rooms and primary living spaces, leading to increased reliance on artificial lighting
Diminished usability and comfort of private open spaces such as balconies and courtyards
Adverse effects on thermal comfort, particularly in winter months where sunlight contributes to passive heating
Broader implications for health and wellbeing, as access to natural light is a key component of residential liveability
In addition to impacts on private dwellings, there is concern that the development may also increase overshadowing of public or communal spaces. If parks, streetscapes, or shared open areas are affected, this would further undermine the quality and usability of the local urban environment and conflict with established urban design principles that prioritise sunlight access to public domain areas.
It is also important to consider cumulative impacts. Waterloo is already experiencing significant urban densification, and the incremental loss of sunlight across multiple developments can result in a substantial overall decline in environmental quality. This proposal contributes to that cumulative burden and should be assessed with that context in mind.
I request that the consent authority:
Require a detailed and transparent overshadowing analysis, including clearly legible shadow diagrams for midwinter conditions at hourly intervals
Demonstrate compliance with applicable solar access standards for neighbouring properties and open spaces
Consider design amendments to reduce the extent of overshadowing, such as lowering building height, reducing bulk, or modifying setbacks and building separation
Until it can be clearly demonstrated that the development will not result in unreasonable loss of solar access or amenity, I do not support the approval of this proposal.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Waterloo
,
New South Wales
Message
I am writing to formally object to the proposed modification of the mixed-use development at 903–921 Bourke Street, Waterloo.
This proposal represents a substantial and unacceptable increase in scale from what was originally approved. The height increase from approximately 65 metres to around 125 metres effectively doubles the development mid-process. This is not a minor amendment but a fundamental change that significantly alters the impact on the surrounding community.
Residents engaged with and accepted the original proposal on the basis of its approved scale. Doubling the height after approval undermines community trust in the planning process and raises serious concerns about transparency and procedural fairness.
The revised proposal will have several adverse impacts:
1. Increased congestion and infrastructure strain
The local area is already experiencing significant congestion, particularly along Bourke Street and surrounding roads. A development of this increased scale will exacerbate traffic, parking shortages, and pressure on already stretched public transport and local infrastructure.
2. Overshadowing and loss of amenity
The substantial increase in height will result in greater overshadowing of neighbouring residential buildings and public spaces. It will also lead to a loss of views and reduced natural light, negatively affecting residents’ quality of life.
3. Inadequate community consultation
For a change of this magnitude, there appears to have been limited meaningful consultation with local residents. Many in the community are unaware that the development has effectively doubled in size. This lack of engagement is deeply concerning.
4. Precedent and planning integrity
Allowing such a significant increase post-approval sets a troubling precedent. It signals that developers can secure approval at a lower scale and later seek major uplifts, bypassing the level of scrutiny that a proposal of this size would ordinarily require.
Given the extent of these impacts, I strongly urge the consent authority to reject this modification application.
At a minimum, any proposal of this revised scale should be subject to a fresh assessment process with comprehensive community consultation, rather than being treated as a modification to an existing approval.
This proposal, in its current form, is inconsistent with the expectations of the local community and fails to adequately consider the cumulative impacts on amenity, infrastructure, and planning integrity.
I respectfully request that this modification be refused.
This proposal represents a substantial and unacceptable increase in scale from what was originally approved. The height increase from approximately 65 metres to around 125 metres effectively doubles the development mid-process. This is not a minor amendment but a fundamental change that significantly alters the impact on the surrounding community.
Residents engaged with and accepted the original proposal on the basis of its approved scale. Doubling the height after approval undermines community trust in the planning process and raises serious concerns about transparency and procedural fairness.
The revised proposal will have several adverse impacts:
1. Increased congestion and infrastructure strain
The local area is already experiencing significant congestion, particularly along Bourke Street and surrounding roads. A development of this increased scale will exacerbate traffic, parking shortages, and pressure on already stretched public transport and local infrastructure.
2. Overshadowing and loss of amenity
The substantial increase in height will result in greater overshadowing of neighbouring residential buildings and public spaces. It will also lead to a loss of views and reduced natural light, negatively affecting residents’ quality of life.
3. Inadequate community consultation
For a change of this magnitude, there appears to have been limited meaningful consultation with local residents. Many in the community are unaware that the development has effectively doubled in size. This lack of engagement is deeply concerning.
4. Precedent and planning integrity
Allowing such a significant increase post-approval sets a troubling precedent. It signals that developers can secure approval at a lower scale and later seek major uplifts, bypassing the level of scrutiny that a proposal of this size would ordinarily require.
Given the extent of these impacts, I strongly urge the consent authority to reject this modification application.
At a minimum, any proposal of this revised scale should be subject to a fresh assessment process with comprehensive community consultation, rather than being treated as a modification to an existing approval.
This proposal, in its current form, is inconsistent with the expectations of the local community and fails to adequately consider the cumulative impacts on amenity, infrastructure, and planning integrity.
I respectfully request that this modification be refused.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Waterloo
,
New South Wales
Message
I wish to lodge an objection to the proposed development at 903–921 Bourke Street, Waterloo.
While I acknowledge the need for urban growth and renewal, I have serious concerns about the cumulative impact this proposal may have on the surrounding area—particularly in relation to traffic conditions, increased population density, and the ability of existing infrastructure to support further demand.
Traffic and transport in this areas are already under considerable strain. Roads in and around Bourke Street regularly experience congestion, especially during peak periods. Public transport is also heavily relied upon, yet services such as the 304 bus are frequently overcrowded, making it difficult for residents to access reliable transport. An increase in residents and activity from this development is likely to exacerbate these existing issues, placing additional pressure on both road networks and bus services. Although the Waterloo Metro Station is a welcome addition, its location does not adequately serve all parts of Waterloo, particular for those residents on Bourke Street and Lachlan Street sides, and many residents will continue to depend on bus connections for daily commuting.
In addition, the proposed scale of the development raises concerns about over-concentration of population within an already dense area. The intensity of the development appears inconsistent with the existing character and capacity of the neighbourhood. A significant increase in population is likely to place further strain on shared spaces and local amenities, potentially diminishing the overall quality of life for residents.
There are also broader concerns regarding infrastructure capacity. Key services—including public transport, schools, healthcare facilities, the local library, and accessible green spaces—are already operating close to their limits. While the planned conversion of part of Moore Park Golf Course into public parkland is noted, these areas are not within convenient proximity to Bourke Street Waterloo and are unlikely to adequately address the shortage of open space locally. Without firm commitments to meaningful infrastructure investment and upgrades, there is a real risk that the development will outpace the capacity of essential services.
Given these considerations, I respectfully urge Council to carefully review the proposal and consider whether it is appropriate in its current form. At a minimum, substantial revisions should be required to ensure that the impacts on the local community and infrastructure are properly addressed.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this submission.
While I acknowledge the need for urban growth and renewal, I have serious concerns about the cumulative impact this proposal may have on the surrounding area—particularly in relation to traffic conditions, increased population density, and the ability of existing infrastructure to support further demand.
Traffic and transport in this areas are already under considerable strain. Roads in and around Bourke Street regularly experience congestion, especially during peak periods. Public transport is also heavily relied upon, yet services such as the 304 bus are frequently overcrowded, making it difficult for residents to access reliable transport. An increase in residents and activity from this development is likely to exacerbate these existing issues, placing additional pressure on both road networks and bus services. Although the Waterloo Metro Station is a welcome addition, its location does not adequately serve all parts of Waterloo, particular for those residents on Bourke Street and Lachlan Street sides, and many residents will continue to depend on bus connections for daily commuting.
In addition, the proposed scale of the development raises concerns about over-concentration of population within an already dense area. The intensity of the development appears inconsistent with the existing character and capacity of the neighbourhood. A significant increase in population is likely to place further strain on shared spaces and local amenities, potentially diminishing the overall quality of life for residents.
There are also broader concerns regarding infrastructure capacity. Key services—including public transport, schools, healthcare facilities, the local library, and accessible green spaces—are already operating close to their limits. While the planned conversion of part of Moore Park Golf Course into public parkland is noted, these areas are not within convenient proximity to Bourke Street Waterloo and are unlikely to adequately address the shortage of open space locally. Without firm commitments to meaningful infrastructure investment and upgrades, there is a real risk that the development will outpace the capacity of essential services.
Given these considerations, I respectfully urge Council to carefully review the proposal and consider whether it is appropriate in its current form. At a minimum, substantial revisions should be required to ensure that the impacts on the local community and infrastructure are properly addressed.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this submission.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
WATERLOO
,
New South Wales
Message
I am a local resident and a home owner of the Waterloo/Zetland/Green Square area and I strongly object to the proposed amendments to the approved development at 903–921 Bourke Street, Waterloo.
The proposed amendments represent a substantial and unacceptable intensification of the original approval. Increasing the Bourke Street North building from 12 storeys to 31 storeys (more than double (!!!)), and the Young Street tower from 21 storeys to 38 storeys, is not a minor modification. It is a fundamental change to the scale, density and impact of the development. The proposal would significantly alter the character of the area and place further pressure on infrastructure, transport, parking, open space and local amenities that are already under strain.
The proposed increase from 347 approved apartments to 580 apartments would add 233 additional apartments, yet the proposal appears to provide only 20 additional parking spaces. This is not raising any red flags for you?! This is clearly inadequate and would push more vehicles onto surrounding residential streets, worsening congestion and competition for already limited parking. It would also place further pressure on public transport services, including buses and Green Square Station, which are already heavily used during peak periods.
The area is already experiencing rapid population growth, and the cumulative effect of thousands of new apartments cannot be ignored. Planning decisions should consider the lived reality for residents, not assess each tower in isolation.
My key objections are as follows:
1. The proposed height increases are excessive and out of character with the surrounding area. A jump from 12 storeys to 31 storeys and from 21 storeys to 38 storeys would create a visually dominant and overbearing development. The scale is disproportionate to the site and surrounding streetscape, and would significantly change the character of the neighbourhood.
2. Local roads, public transport, pedestrian routes and community services are already under pressure. Adding hundreds of additional apartments without corresponding infrastructure upgrades is not responsible planning. Residents already experience congestion, crowded buses, pressure on Green Square Station and difficulty accessing local services. This proposal would worsen those issues.
3. Providing only 20 additional parking spaces for 233 additional apartments is plainly insufficient. Even where residents rely on public transport, car ownership, visitor parking, trades, deliveries, ride-share vehicles and service vehicles still create demand. The proposal would likely increase illegal parking, traffic conflicts and pressure on surrounding streets.
4. Towers of this scale are likely to create significant overshadowing impacts on surrounding homes, streets, public spaces and communal areas. Residents should not be expected to accept major reductions in sunlight, privacy and outlook simply because a developer seeks to substantially increase yield beyond the original approval.
5. Tall towers can create uncomfortable wind conditions at street level and reduce the quality of public spaces. The proposed towers would also create overlooking and privacy impacts for nearby residents. The visual bulk of the development would dominate the local area and undermine the human-scale character that should be protected in a residential community.
6. The local area already has limited capacity in libraries, parks, childcare, health services and other community facilities. A significant increase in population must be matched by investment in public infrastructure and amenities. Approving more apartments without adequate supporting services will reduce quality of life for existing and future residents.
7. Approving such a substantial increase after the original approval would set a concerning precedent. It would suggest that developers can obtain approval for one scale of development and later seek major increases in height and density, undermining community trust in the planning process.
For these reasons, I request that Council strongly oppose the proposed amendments and advocate for the protection of local amenity, appropriate building scale, adequate infrastructure and responsible planning outcomes.
I do not object to housing in principle. However, housing growth must be planned properly, supported by infrastructure, and delivered at a scale that respects the existing and future community. This proposal goes too far and would impose unacceptable impacts on residents.
I respectfully request that the proposed amendments be refused or substantially reduced to remain consistent with the original approval and the capacity of the local area.
25 April 2026
The proposed amendments represent a substantial and unacceptable intensification of the original approval. Increasing the Bourke Street North building from 12 storeys to 31 storeys (more than double (!!!)), and the Young Street tower from 21 storeys to 38 storeys, is not a minor modification. It is a fundamental change to the scale, density and impact of the development. The proposal would significantly alter the character of the area and place further pressure on infrastructure, transport, parking, open space and local amenities that are already under strain.
The proposed increase from 347 approved apartments to 580 apartments would add 233 additional apartments, yet the proposal appears to provide only 20 additional parking spaces. This is not raising any red flags for you?! This is clearly inadequate and would push more vehicles onto surrounding residential streets, worsening congestion and competition for already limited parking. It would also place further pressure on public transport services, including buses and Green Square Station, which are already heavily used during peak periods.
The area is already experiencing rapid population growth, and the cumulative effect of thousands of new apartments cannot be ignored. Planning decisions should consider the lived reality for residents, not assess each tower in isolation.
My key objections are as follows:
1. The proposed height increases are excessive and out of character with the surrounding area. A jump from 12 storeys to 31 storeys and from 21 storeys to 38 storeys would create a visually dominant and overbearing development. The scale is disproportionate to the site and surrounding streetscape, and would significantly change the character of the neighbourhood.
2. Local roads, public transport, pedestrian routes and community services are already under pressure. Adding hundreds of additional apartments without corresponding infrastructure upgrades is not responsible planning. Residents already experience congestion, crowded buses, pressure on Green Square Station and difficulty accessing local services. This proposal would worsen those issues.
3. Providing only 20 additional parking spaces for 233 additional apartments is plainly insufficient. Even where residents rely on public transport, car ownership, visitor parking, trades, deliveries, ride-share vehicles and service vehicles still create demand. The proposal would likely increase illegal parking, traffic conflicts and pressure on surrounding streets.
4. Towers of this scale are likely to create significant overshadowing impacts on surrounding homes, streets, public spaces and communal areas. Residents should not be expected to accept major reductions in sunlight, privacy and outlook simply because a developer seeks to substantially increase yield beyond the original approval.
5. Tall towers can create uncomfortable wind conditions at street level and reduce the quality of public spaces. The proposed towers would also create overlooking and privacy impacts for nearby residents. The visual bulk of the development would dominate the local area and undermine the human-scale character that should be protected in a residential community.
6. The local area already has limited capacity in libraries, parks, childcare, health services and other community facilities. A significant increase in population must be matched by investment in public infrastructure and amenities. Approving more apartments without adequate supporting services will reduce quality of life for existing and future residents.
7. Approving such a substantial increase after the original approval would set a concerning precedent. It would suggest that developers can obtain approval for one scale of development and later seek major increases in height and density, undermining community trust in the planning process.
For these reasons, I request that Council strongly oppose the proposed amendments and advocate for the protection of local amenity, appropriate building scale, adequate infrastructure and responsible planning outcomes.
I do not object to housing in principle. However, housing growth must be planned properly, supported by infrastructure, and delivered at a scale that respects the existing and future community. This proposal goes too far and would impose unacceptable impacts on residents.
I respectfully request that the proposed amendments be refused or substantially reduced to remain consistent with the original approval and the capacity of the local area.
25 April 2026
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
WATERLOO
,
New South Wales
Message
To Whom It May Concern
I am writing to formally object to the proposed modifications under SSD-95997711 for the development at 903–921 Bourke Street and 3 McEvoy Street, Waterloo.
I live in close proximity to this site and am directly impacted by the proposed increase in scale, height, and density. While I understand the need for additional housing in Sydney, this proposal represents a significant departure from what was originally approved and raises serious concerns about the cumulative impact on the local area.
My key concerns are as follows:
First, the proposed increase in building height (from 12 to 31 storeys and from 21 to 38 storeys) is excessive and out of character with the existing and planned built environment. This scale of development will dominate the streetscape and materially change the character of the neighbourhood in a way that was not originally contemplated.
Second, the increase in density is not matched by adequate infrastructure. Public transport, roads, and local amenities in the Waterloo/Zetland/Green Square area are already operating at or near capacity. Peak-hour trains are overcrowded, buses frequently pass by full, and local roads experience regular congestion. A substantial increase in residents without corresponding infrastructure upgrades will exacerbate these issues.
Third, the proposal will have a significant impact on residential amenity. In particular, overshadowing from towers of this height will reduce natural light to surrounding homes and public spaces, especially during winter months. This has a real and tangible impact on quality of life for existing residents.
Fourth, the proposal appears to prioritise increased yield over thoughtful, integrated planning. The originally approved scheme reflected a balance between density, liveability, and infrastructure. This revised proposal undermines that balance and sets a concerning precedent for further ad hoc increases in scale across the precinct.
Finally, I am concerned about the cumulative impact of multiple large developments in the area. When considered together, these projects represent a substantial population increase over a short period of time, without a clear and coordinated plan for infrastructure, public space, and services.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposed modifications and request that the application be refused in its current form.
At a minimum, any revised proposal should:
Remain consistent with the originally approved height and density parameters;
Be supported by clear, funded infrastructure commitments; and
Demonstrate a genuine consideration of impacts on existing residents and community amenity.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback.
Yours sincerely,
Olivia Seet
I am writing to formally object to the proposed modifications under SSD-95997711 for the development at 903–921 Bourke Street and 3 McEvoy Street, Waterloo.
I live in close proximity to this site and am directly impacted by the proposed increase in scale, height, and density. While I understand the need for additional housing in Sydney, this proposal represents a significant departure from what was originally approved and raises serious concerns about the cumulative impact on the local area.
My key concerns are as follows:
First, the proposed increase in building height (from 12 to 31 storeys and from 21 to 38 storeys) is excessive and out of character with the existing and planned built environment. This scale of development will dominate the streetscape and materially change the character of the neighbourhood in a way that was not originally contemplated.
Second, the increase in density is not matched by adequate infrastructure. Public transport, roads, and local amenities in the Waterloo/Zetland/Green Square area are already operating at or near capacity. Peak-hour trains are overcrowded, buses frequently pass by full, and local roads experience regular congestion. A substantial increase in residents without corresponding infrastructure upgrades will exacerbate these issues.
Third, the proposal will have a significant impact on residential amenity. In particular, overshadowing from towers of this height will reduce natural light to surrounding homes and public spaces, especially during winter months. This has a real and tangible impact on quality of life for existing residents.
Fourth, the proposal appears to prioritise increased yield over thoughtful, integrated planning. The originally approved scheme reflected a balance between density, liveability, and infrastructure. This revised proposal undermines that balance and sets a concerning precedent for further ad hoc increases in scale across the precinct.
Finally, I am concerned about the cumulative impact of multiple large developments in the area. When considered together, these projects represent a substantial population increase over a short period of time, without a clear and coordinated plan for infrastructure, public space, and services.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposed modifications and request that the application be refused in its current form.
At a minimum, any revised proposal should:
Remain consistent with the originally approved height and density parameters;
Be supported by clear, funded infrastructure commitments; and
Demonstrate a genuine consideration of impacts on existing residents and community amenity.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback.
Yours sincerely,
Olivia Seet
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Waterloo
,
New South Wales
Message
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development at 903-921 Bourke Street, Waterloo, currently under consideration by Council.
Our primary concerns relate to the significant and negative impacts this development is likely to have on traffic congestion, population density, and the capacity of existing local infrastructure.
Firstly, the proposal is likely to contribute to increased traffic congestion in the surrounding area. Local roads are already experiencing significant traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours. Public transport is similarly under strain; for example, it is often extremely difficult to board the 304 bus service during peak periods under current population levels. Additional residential and/or commercial activity would place further pressure on both road networks and bus services, potentially resulting in longer travel times, reduced safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and challenges for emergency vehicle access. While the new Waterloo Metro Station is a positive development, it is not centrally located for many residents, and a large proportion of the Waterloo community continues to rely heavily on bus services for travel to the CBD and Central Station.
Secondly, the scale of the development raises serious concerns about increased population density. The proposed density appears disproportionate to the character and capacity of the area. Such a substantial increase in residents will alter the amenity of the neighbourhood, placing pressure on public spaces and reducing overall livability for existing and future residents.
Finally, local infrastructure is already under considerable pressure and does not appear adequately equipped to support further expansion of this magnitude. Essential services such as public transport, schools, healthcare facilities, the local library, and green spaces are operating at or near capacity. While there has been a decision to convert part of the Moore Park Golf Course into public parkland, these green spaces remain relatively distant from Bourke Street Waterloo and are unlikely to meaningfully alleviate the existing shortfall of accessible open space within the immediate area. Without clear, detailed, and credible plans for substantial infrastructure upgrades, the proposed development risks placing additional strain on already constrained services and diminishing the overall quality, accessibility, and amenity available to the community.
In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that Council reconsider or reject the proposed development, or at the very least require substantial modifications to address these critical issues.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Our primary concerns relate to the significant and negative impacts this development is likely to have on traffic congestion, population density, and the capacity of existing local infrastructure.
Firstly, the proposal is likely to contribute to increased traffic congestion in the surrounding area. Local roads are already experiencing significant traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours. Public transport is similarly under strain; for example, it is often extremely difficult to board the 304 bus service during peak periods under current population levels. Additional residential and/or commercial activity would place further pressure on both road networks and bus services, potentially resulting in longer travel times, reduced safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and challenges for emergency vehicle access. While the new Waterloo Metro Station is a positive development, it is not centrally located for many residents, and a large proportion of the Waterloo community continues to rely heavily on bus services for travel to the CBD and Central Station.
Secondly, the scale of the development raises serious concerns about increased population density. The proposed density appears disproportionate to the character and capacity of the area. Such a substantial increase in residents will alter the amenity of the neighbourhood, placing pressure on public spaces and reducing overall livability for existing and future residents.
Finally, local infrastructure is already under considerable pressure and does not appear adequately equipped to support further expansion of this magnitude. Essential services such as public transport, schools, healthcare facilities, the local library, and green spaces are operating at or near capacity. While there has been a decision to convert part of the Moore Park Golf Course into public parkland, these green spaces remain relatively distant from Bourke Street Waterloo and are unlikely to meaningfully alleviate the existing shortfall of accessible open space within the immediate area. Without clear, detailed, and credible plans for substantial infrastructure upgrades, the proposed development risks placing additional strain on already constrained services and diminishing the overall quality, accessibility, and amenity available to the community.
In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that Council reconsider or reject the proposed development, or at the very least require substantial modifications to address these critical issues.
Thank you for considering this submission.