The proposed project is simply too tall and too massive.
The smaller project approved by the Council was appropriate.
This huge proposed project is completely out of keeping with the low-rise nature of the area.
It is discordant with the heritage conservation area adjacent.
The traffic implications will negatively impact all residents in Castlecrag. It will dramatically increase the inability of residents to exit the suburb along Edinburgh Rd, especially in peak times. It will have a dreadful impact on the residents in nearby streets (Raeburn and Rutland Ave, Charles and Edith Sts and Sunnyside Cres) as those streets become "rat-runs" for people trying to escape the congestion in Edinburgh Rd. That is particularly serious given there is a school located on the corner of Edith St and Edinburgh Rd.

The proponent purchased a site with an approved DA for a price that it considered reasonable for that development. That is, it purchased the site satisfied that it would make a healthy profit from constructing and selling that building. It is now seeking to make super-profits by adding an extra 100+ dwellings to the site. It is simply about greed.

It is not helping the affordable housing crisis when the properties are all expensive, high-end apartments.

The "community consultations" conducted by the developer have been shams. I attended both. At the first meeting they merely put plans on a noticeboard for people to look at. At the second meeting it was conceded that they were merely "ticking a box" because it was required by the Planning Department. There was no "consultation". The project consultants at the meeting were all clearly embarrassed by the magnitude of the proposal and were unable to defend it. The heritage consultant was almost in tears.

150 dwellings, including 54 3-bedroom dwellings, would equate to about 400 people living on the site instead of the approved plan for 38 dwellings (perhaps 100 people). This location is not a transport hub that can cope with such an enormous increase. Do not be fooled that the buses that pass along Eastern Valley Way all stop at Edinburgh Rd, they don't!

I have faith that the Planning Department will not approve this project which is too tall and too massive. Too greedy.
I hope I am not disappointed.

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are writing as a local Castlecrag family to object to the proposed State Significant Development at 100 Edinburgh Road.

We care deeply about this area – not only as residents, but as people who genuinely value architecture and the cultural significance of place. We see enormous value in preserving Castlecrag as it was originally intended: a rare and cohesive planning vision where built form, landscape and community are carefully balanced.

From our perspective, this proposal represents a clear departure from that intent.

Castlecrag is not simply a suburb where standard planning controls can be applied in isolation. Its identity is grounded in a specific design philosophy – one that prioritises low-scale development, integration with the natural landscape, and a consistent, restrained architectural language. That framework is still legible today, and it is what gives the area its enduring cultural and environmental value.

The scale of the proposed development feels fundamentally out of step with its surroundings. Its height and overall mass introduce a level of visual dominance that is difficult to reconcile with the more recessive, landscape-led character of the area. Rather than sitting within the site, the building appears to assert itself over it.

There is also a broader concern around how the proposal engages with the existing natural environment. Castlecrag’s identity is closely tied to its vegetation and topography, and any substantial removal of trees or reshaping of the site risks weakening that relationship in a lasting way.

In addition, the intensity of the development raises questions about its impact on neighbouring properties and the wider precinct. The likely effects on light, outlook and general amenity, combined with an increase in activity and traffic, do not sit comfortably with the quieter, village-like quality that defines the area.

Perhaps most importantly, the proposal does not appear to respond in a meaningful way to the heritage context in which it sits. Even where technical compliance may be argued, the overall outcome seems misaligned with the intent of the conservation framework that underpins Castlecrag’s planning approach.

More broadly, we are concerned about the precedent this sets. Incremental changes of this nature can gradually erode the defining qualities of the suburb, and once that character is diminished, it cannot be easily restored.

We want to be clear that we are not opposed to thoughtful development or to contemporary architecture. We strongly support well-considered design that responds to place. However, that requires a level of restraint and sensitivity that does not appear evident here.

For these reasons, we respectfully request that the application be refused in its current form.

Sincerely,
Monique Easton

I have been a long term resident of Castlecrag and oppose this development on several grounds. First, the area does not have the infrastructure to support this kind of large development. Second, a construction of this size is ecologically irresponsible and does not align with the rich history and natural environment of the suburb.

Regarding infrastructure. When I was 14 years old I was hit by a car on Edinburgh Rd and ended up in hospital with fractured ribs, concussion and short term memory loss. This was 22 years ago and since then, the area has become far more congested and is under extreme pressure from traffic. Before a development of this size is approved, first better public transport is the priority as already there are too many cars making it extremely unsafe for pedestrians. Better bike lanes and safer spaces for pedestrians are critical alongside any development. This is an obvious yet critical point in urban planning and very clearly overlooked in this current proposal.

This development is ecologically irresponsible. Castlecrag maintains significant native biodiversity, with populations of native long-nosed bandicoots and water dragons increasing significantly in the Griffin reserves over the past 5 years (according to Willoughby Council data) and yet factors such as urban run off and deforesation as a result of this construction pose a threat to the native flaura and fauna.

Castlecrag is an iconic Australian suburb, where international tourists flock to. This development is a disgrace to Walter Burley Griffin's legacy, demonstrating to the nation and international tourists that we have no understanding or appreciation of urban planning, architecture, history or the natural environment that makes Castlecrag so unique. Instead can we demonstrate that we have the capacity for innovative, sustainable and respectable urban planning and design?

The siting and scale of the development appear appropriate for the location, with careful attention given to how the building interfaces with neighbouring properties. Considerations such as setbacks, landscaping, and overall massing contribute to reducing visual bulk and maintaining a sense of openness within the streetscape. This suggests a genuine effort to minimise impacts such as overshadowing, overlooking, and loss of privacy.

The proposal also demonstrates efficient and responsible use of land. In well-established areas like Castlecrag, it is important that development makes optimal use of existing sites rather than placing additional pressure on undeveloped areas elsewhere. This aligns with broader planning objectives around sustainability and managed urban growth.

The submission will cause unacceptable traffic issues plus destroy some established trees

I would like to formally express my strong support for the proposed mixed use development at 100 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag.

I believe this development is extremely important and greatly needed for the future growth and improvement of the area. The current site presents a valuable opportunity for revitalisation, and this proposal has the potential to deliver long term benefits to both existing residents and the broader community.

Importantly, I believe the development should be larger in scale than currently proposed. With Sydney continuing to experience significant population growth and increasing pressure on housing availability, developments of this nature should maximise the potential of suitable sites. Increasing the scale of the project would help provide additional housing, improved commercial opportunities, and stronger long term economic outcomes for the area.

A larger mixed use development would also better support local businesses, increase activation within the precinct, improve convenience for residents, and contribute to a more modern and vibrant community hub. Castlecrag and the surrounding areas would benefit from increased investment, upgraded infrastructure, and better utilisation of well located land close to existing transport and services.

In my view, the proposal represents a positive and forward thinking development for the community, and I strongly encourage the relevant authorities not only to approve the application, but to support a larger and more ambitious outcome for the site where appropriate.

I fully support the project and believe it will deliver meaningful long term benefits for the area.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Michael Baltagi

In my view, the proposal reflects a considered and context-responsive approach to development. The design appears to acknowledge the established character of Castlecrag, incorporating elements that respect the surrounding built form while introducing a contemporary standard of design and functionality. This balance is important in ensuring that the suburb continues to evolve in a way that is both sensitive and progressive.

I have had a very long association with Castlecrag. My father in fact built my grandmother’s house at the end of WWII. She remained living in the house until her passing when she turned 87. I enjoyed many many times there, particularly during school holidays and every Friday night.
I now live in Willoughby East, a ten minute walk from 100 Edinburgh Rd. As I am a keen walker and traverse Eastern Valley Way en route to the eastern end of Castlecrag, I witness the traffic congestion each morning as vehicles endeavour to progress through the traffic lights to either Northbridge, Cammeray or further west to Alpha Rd.
The development of two 14 to 11 story residential buildings with the inevitable private vehicles being garaged underneath will put an enormous burden on the traffic flow . This is due to the fact that there is no other egress for the vehicles.
Additionally, there is insufficient public transport passing through the area which would alleviate congestion caused by the increased number of residents living in the proposed towers.
Besides the above two reasons for objecting, the towering effect of the buildings would severely impact on the ambience of the heritage listed area which is immediately aligned with the boarder of the Walter Burley Griffin area and would cause irreversible harm to the character and heritage of the area.
The site is not in a transport orientated development zone and has limited public transport access.
Also, this site is not near train station and has limited bus services outside peak hours.
Site is not subject to loyal in midrise housing policy being more than 800 met from Northbridge Local Centre.
The housing will not alleviate the housing crisis for the lower Socio economic group as cost to purchase one of the proposed units would be in the millions. Even with a small percentage being designated for lower cost living, The buying price would be significantly out of reach for these people as it would be totally un affordable for them.
Also, the proposal conflicts with planning controls that limit height to around 3 Stories above Edinburgh Road. And Castlecrag is not identified as a housing growth area in state or local planning strategies.

For all of the above reasons, I strongly object to the development.

I object to the Proposal as it is too large and totally inconsistent with the nature and history of the location

A positive aspect is the potential for improved amenity. Thoughtful design can enhance natural light, privacy, and overall living conditions for both occupants and neighbours. When executed well, such developments can lead to a more cohesive and enjoyable residential environment. I fully support this proposed development at 100 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag and hope to see this project come to fruition.