I am writing to formally object to the proposed State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for 3–5 Help Street, Chatswood. While I support thoughtful urban development and affordable housing, I wish to raise several urgent concerns which remain unaddressed in the current planning and assessment documentation.

1. Wind Tunnel Effects and Pedestrian Safety
The proposed 35-storey tower—with a relatively narrow setback and tall, flat façades—poses a high risk of creating additional wind tunnel conditions along Help Street and Cambridge Lane. These effects are particularly concerning for pedestrians, cyclists, and local café patrons, especially without the inclusion of a dedicated wind impact study. No effective mitigation strategies have been presented to address potential discomfort or danger to passers-by.

2. Traffic and Congestion
The developer’s Transport Impact Assessment projects:
56 vehicle trips/hour in the AM peak
48 vehicle trips/hour in the PM peak
These vehicle volumes will significantly affect intersections like Help Street & Anderson Street, already operating near capacity. Furthermore, no assessment has been included for weekend traffic impacts, which are critical given Chatswood's busy retail profile.

3. Proximity to Schools and Impact on Student Safety
This development is within walking distance of several major educational institutions, including:
Chatswood Public School
Chatswood High School
St Pius X College
Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary School
Each of these schools is located within 400–700 m of the proposed site, and all lie within shared school and pedestrian zones.
The increase in local traffic, particularly during school pick-up and drop-off hours, will heighten the risk of:
Congestion and confusion at already busy crossings
Reduced visibility and safety for children
Increased conflict between vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists
No School Traffic Safety Assessment or consultation with school communities has been submitted. This is a serious oversight that directly affects hundreds of local students who rely on walking or cycling for their daily commute.

4. Cumulative and Uncoordinated Development Impact
The application fails to acknowledge the existing and future neighbouring large-scale developments, particularly at 3 McIntosh Street and adjacent Anderson Street parcels. The absence of a coordinated precinct-level masterplan has led to:
Overlooked infrastructure load on roads and utilities
No assessment of combined traffic volume or service impacts
Potential for unbalanced population and amenity trade-offs
This piecemeal approach to development risks long-term dysfunction and resident dissatisfaction.

5. Noise and Vibration from Construction and Traffic
The Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment reveals the development will:
Exceed noise thresholds during construction at multiple nearby residences
Introduce additional vehicle noise from basement ingress/egress
Lack adequate mitigation for long-term service/mechanical equipment noise

6. Loss of Amenity and Incompatible Built Form
The proposed high-rise tower disrupts the existing built form character of Help Street and Cambridge Lane. The Visual Impact Assessment shows:
Up to 91% view loss at affected view corridors
Significant overshadowing of low-rise neighbouring buildings
Incompatibility with the mid-rise profile and established landscaping along the corridor

The proposed development at 3–5 Help Street, Chatswood introduces unacceptable risks to public safety, local infrastructure, and community amenity, particularly for school-age children and vulnerable pedestrians. The lack of cumulative planning, incomplete traffic and wind impact assessments, and disregard for school proximity and safety demand further scrutiny.

I request that this SSDA not be approved unless and until the following are submitted and addressed:

A precinct-wide cumulative impact and infrastructure assessment
A dedicated pedestrian/wind tunnel impact study
A detailed traffic and safety plan, specifically addressing school zone impacts
Formal engagement with local educational institutions and community groups

Sincerely,
Brice Lis
Chatswood Resident

This highrise is going to significantly impact the quality my living by bringing more people, transportation and noise. It will also block my view and the sun light. I strongly object to this project.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing as a concerned resident of Chatswood to formally express my opposition to the proposed construction of new high-rise buildings in our community.

Chatswood is already facing significant challenges due to overdevelopment. Traffic congestion has become increasingly severe, with major roads often gridlocked during peak hours. Adding more high-density buildings will only exacerbate these issues, putting further strain on an already overburdened traffic system.

Moreover, local infrastructure and community resources — including public transport, schools, parks, healthcare facilities, and other essential services — are already stretched to their limits. The addition of more residents would severely impact the quality of life for current residents and diminish the character of our community.

While I understand the need for urban growth, I urge you to consider more sustainable and balanced approaches that prioritize livability, infrastructure capacity, and long-term community wellbeing.

Thank you for considering my concerns.

Here are some adverse effects for too many tall buildings concentrated in a small area:
- Urban heat island effect: Trap heat, raising temperatures
- Echo effects between tall buildings can amplify sound (especially the building site is close to Chatswood railway station)
- Natural light may be blocked for adjacent buildings
- Reduced air circulation and causes air pollution
- Concentrated tall buildings area could block sunlight from reaching lower levels and adjacent properties
- Proximity of tall buildings can reduce privacy for residents
- Increase vehicle volume could worsen the current traffic congestion problem in Chatswood

Dear officer,

I am writing to formally express my objection to the proposed construction of 3-5 help street in front of my property located at 7 Railway Street. After reviewing the plans and considering the potential impact, I have significant concerns that I would like to bring to your attention.

My primary reasons for opposing this project include:

Privacy Concerns: The new building may directly overlook my home, compromising my family’s privacy. Please see the attachements, how closed it is front my balacony. It is only view from my area. If there is 32 floor building in front me, how terrible it is.

Obstruction of View/Light: The construction could block natural light or disrupt the current view, affecting my property’s livability and value. See attachements, that will be sooooo closed to me and no light goes through to my home. My home is whole facing the building, no gap.

Noise and Disturbance: The construction phase and subsequent use of the building may cause excessive noise and inconvenience.

Traffic/Safety Issues: Increased vehicular or pedestrian traffic could pose safety risks, especially if I have children or elderly family members.

I kindly request that you reconsider the proposed plans or explore alternative solutions that address these concerns, such as adjusting the building’s design or scale. I would also appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further or attend any relevant meetings where community input is considered.

Please let me know how you plan to proceed and what steps I can take to formally lodge my objection if required. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Yanan Fan
1210/ 7 Railway St Chatswood NSW 2067