I am an owner of an apartment at 19-23 Herbert Street, immediately adjoining the proposed redevelopment at 33–37 Herbert Street.
I object to the proposal in its current form and ask that the Department carefully consider the impacts on existing residents before any approval is granted.
1. The proposal includes a large basement excavation directly adjoining existing residential properties. My primary concern is about the potential impacts of deep excavation works on neighbouring buildings, including ground movement, settlement, cracking, waterproofing failures, and damage to foundations. Given the exceptional size and height of the proposed development, the excavation and construction works will be far more intensive than those associated with a typical building project. As a neighbouring resident, I am concerned that once excavation begins, any damage to surrounding properties may be difficult or impossible to fully rectify. Even where repairs are attempted, residents may be left dealing with ongoing structural issues, water ingress, loss of amenity, and reduced property values. The risks associated with constructing such a large development immediately adjacent to existing residential buildings should be carefully assessed and subject to the highest level of independent monitoring, protection measures, and accountability.

2. Another major concern is infrastructure capacity, particularly water pressure and fire safety.
In the event of a fire or other major incident, reliable water pressure and flow are critical for both fire-fighting operations and the operation of building fire-safety systems. I have already experienced unstable water supply in the building (e.g. showers going from strong to weak) and I am worried about the impact of adding 413 apartments to the same network without clear evidence that existing services can adequately support the increase demand as a result of a development of this scale.

3. Proposed development will place significant additional pressure on Herbert Street and the surrounding local road network. Unlike the nearby Pacific Highway, which is a wide arterial road designed to accommodate significant traffic volumes, Herbert Street is comparatively narrow despite already functioning as a major local route. The addition of 413 apartments, retail uses, visitor traffic, service vehicles, and construction-related traffic will place further pressure on a constrained road corridor. This raises concerns about congestion, pedestrian safety, vehicle access, and the overall capacity of the local street network to accommodate further high-density development .
Also, the site is located adjacent to Royal North Shore Hospital, one of the region's major hospitals and a critical health facility serving the wider community. Increased traffic congestion in the immediate area could adversely affect access for patients, visitors, hospital staff, emergency services, and supporting healthcare operations.

4. Large-scale excavation, basement construction, and the erection of two high-rise towers would generate continuous noise, dust, and vibration throughout the construction phase. This would include heavy machinery, concrete pouring, pile driving, truck movements, and other intensive building activities occurring on a daily basis lasting for at least 3 years.
All theses extended construction activities would materially affect the liveability of my home, including the ability to work from home, sleep, and enjoy normal residential amenity. And also create ongoing stress, reduced amenity, and uncertainty for residents living directly adjacent to the site. I am concerned that the duration and intensity of the works have not been fully balanced against the impacts on surrounding residents.

In addition, once completed, the development will also contribute to ongoing traffic noise due to increased vehicle movements. The additional traffic volume will noticeably increase noise levels, particularly during peak hours and early mornings or late evenings. This would reduce the residential amenity of nearby homes and impact day-to-day comfort.

5. I am also concerned about the significant overshadowing impacts of the proposed development. The height and bulk of the 39-storey tower are likely to cast extensive shadows over neighbouring residential buildings. This would reduce the amount of direct natural light available to living areas, balconies, and private open spaces, particularly during the winter months when sunlight is already limited. The cumulative effect on liveability has not been properly considered.

6. This proposal fails to adequately consider the cumulative impact of the extensive high-density development that has already occurred in the immediate area. There are already numerous residential apartment buildings in the surrounding precinct (including approx. ten existing residential towers along Herbert Street and many more along pacific highway) that have significantly increased the local population over recent years.
The addition of a further 413 apartments would represent another substantial increase in density within an area that is already experiencing growing pressure on roads, public transport, public open space, utilities, community facilities and local services. Residents are already experiencing congestion on Herbert Street, overcrowding at St Leonards Station during peak periods, and increasing competition for public amenities.
While individual developments may appear acceptable when assessed separately, the combined impact of multiple high-rise developments can significantly diminish residential amenity and place excessive strain on existing infrastructure. I am concerned that the proposal does not adequately demonstrate how local infrastructure and services will accommodate the cumulative growth resulting from existing buildings, approved projects and future developments planned for the St Leonards precinct.

For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that the department give full consideration to the impacts on existing residents and require substantial amendments to the proposal, or refuse the application unless these issues are properly addressed.

I object in the strongest terms to the proposed development and endorse fully the submission of the Naremburn Progress Association. This proposal is non-compliant. There is no justification for overriding local and state planning policies and regulations. The proposal flaunts all height criteria for the location and the absurdity of a 39 storey building in this location should be manifest. The submission of the applicant is disingenuous in its presentation, selectively misrepresenting the visual impact and utterly disregarding the traffic impact for Ella St and Dalleys Road.

The reasons for my objection are the following:
1. The development would result in an unacceptable visual impact on the surrounding area.
2. The proposal is inconsistent with local planning controls and regulations, including the NSW Government’s Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development (TOD) plan.
3. The loss of industrial-zoned land that is important source of employment and services.
4. The project would generate additional traffic on already congested local roads.
5. The extant development in the area will challenge local facilities such as schools etc. This will only exacerbate what is already becoming a serious deficiency.

To Whom It May Concern,

I have some serious concerns regarding the proposal to build an apartment block next to 19-23 Herbert Street and would like to bring them to your attention.

Noise

The construction noise would undoubtedly affect many residents of Tower A and B of 19-23 Herbert Street.
I am a nurse residing in Tower A and do both shift and night work. The noise from the construction site will mean I am unable to sleep during the day when I am working nights.
This is obviously a dangerous scenario for health care workers because if we do not get sufficient sleep we could inadvertently put lives at risk.
I know from experience that no hospital employer will allow staff to just opt out of working nights for several years regardless of their circumstances.
There are many hospital workers living in this building due to its proximity to Royal North Shore Hospital so I know I am not the only person facing this issue should the new building go ahead.
In addition to my situation, the noise increase will also affect shift/night workers along with people working from home, the elderly, young children, and animals, living in both towers.

Pollution

Vulnerable residents with health conditions (e.g. asthmatics or anyone with lung problems) could be adversely affected by the pollution that the new building will produce.
The towers at 19-23 Herbert Street have a small enclosed garden area which is often used for kids parties or gatherings. The construction will mean this garden would be likely unusable for years due to the dust and pollution generated by the construction work.

Proximity to Tower A

For residents of Tower A, we will be unable to have our windows open due to the noise and pollution as this building is not double glazed or insulated properly.
The construction could trigger damp and mould due to the layout of the apartments and lack of adequate air circulation.
The proposed buildings are too high and wide.
They will directly block air flow and sunlight to Tower A once completed.
They are also far too close to our building - we will be looking directly into other peoples’ apartments once completed.
We will have to have window blinds shut for privacy and this in turn will reduce what little daylight we will be getting in our units.
Consequently this will mean an increase in the amount of electricity we need to use for tasks like circulating air in the apartment (i.e. using air conditioning units more) and drying clothes (using a machine dryer as air drying won’t be feasible anymore).

Traffic

Traffic can already be very heavy at times on Herbert Street and has increased with the postal depot directly across the road from the planned buildings.
If the new build goes ahead there would be gridlock and chaos along the road and this will increase the existing noise and pollution significantly.
Emergency vehicles use Herbert Street frequently to access Royal North Shore Hospital and if the road is gridlocked and they can’t get through it could potentially be life threatening for patients.

I hope I have managed to convey my issues with the new building proposal and how it would severely affect the quality of life and health of the people in Towers A and B and all along Herbert Street for several years should it proceed. This area has already become far too overpopulated and the infrastructure is simply not in place to support more apartment blocks and more people. There are multiple tower blocks of units opposite St. Leonards train station and just beyond that with building already underway near Falcon Street and plans to build above the Metro Station at Crows Nest which is 5 minutes away. By all means renovate the existing building so it can be put to better use but the scale of what is proposed is going to have a terrible impact on the residents and businesses of Herbert Street.

I would be very grateful if you would take the issues I have outlined above into consideration and reassess your plans for this development.

Thank you for your time and if you require any further information from me please don’t hesitate to contact me on the above e-mail address.

Kind regards,

Sonia Riddall

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a resident of Herbert Towers (Unit 68, 19–23 Herbert Street, St Leonards), and I write to formally object to the proposed development for the reasons outlined below:
1. Excessive Building Scale
The proposed development represents a significant and unjustified departure from existing planning controls.
The site is currently zoned for industrial use, where residential development is not permitted. The proposal seeks to increase the floor space ratio from 1:1 to 7.15:1, amounting to a substantial intensification of density.
Such an increase is excessive and out of character with the surrounding built environment. It sets a concerning precedent and undermines the integrity of the current planning framework. A variation of this magnitude must be supported by compelling strategic and site-specific merit, which has not been adequately demonstrated.
2. Wind Safety Concerns
It is well established that tall buildings can create adverse wind conditions at street level, including wind tunnel effects that impact pedestrian safety and comfort.
While the developer acknowledges the likelihood of increased wind impacts along Herbert Street, no detailed wind tunnel testing has been undertaken. Instead, this critical assessment is proposed to occur post-approval, which is not appropriate.
As a resident who regularly uses the surrounding footpaths and building access points, I am concerned about the potential for unsafe wind conditions. Comprehensive wind analysis must be conducted prior to any approval to ensure public safety.
3. Construction Impacts and Structural Risk
The construction of a large multi-level basement and two high-rise towers directly adjacent to our property will result in prolonged and severe disruption.
Likely impacts include:
- Persistent noise and airborne dust
- Continuous ground vibration
- Increased heavy vehicle movements
Of particular concern is the risk of structural damage to our building, including potential cracking or foundation movement caused by excavation and piling works.
It is essential that stringent safeguards are enforced, including detailed pre-construction condition surveys and continuous vibration monitoring, to minimise risks to neighbouring properties.
4. Water Pressure and Fire Safety Risks
Residents of Herbert Towers already experience low water pressure, particularly at higher levels, raising ongoing concerns regarding fire safety and service reliability.
The proposed development intends to connect more than 400 additional apartments to the same water infrastructure. Notably, the developer has acknowledged that capacity testing has not yet been undertaken.
This raises serious concerns about whether the existing water network can support both developments, particularly in emergency situations. The adequacy of essential services, including water supply for firefighting, must be confirmed prior to any approval.
5. Cumulative Impact of Overdevelopment
The St Leonards precinct is currently undergoing substantial redevelopment, with multiple high-density projects being constructed simultaneously.
The cumulative impacts of these developments—including increased traffic, reduced sunlight access, intensified wind conditions, and strain on local infrastructure—have not been properly assessed in this proposal.
This piecemeal approach fails to consider the broader planning context and is already having a noticeable negative impact on residents’ daily lives. A coordinated and comprehensive assessment of cumulative impacts is necessary.

This proposal raises significant concerns in relation to amenity, safety, infrastructure capacity, and adherence to established planning controls. The impacts on existing residents are considerable and have not been adequately assessed or mitigated.
Accordingly, I respectfully request that the proposal be refused. In the alternative, it should be substantially revised to ensure compliance with planning requirements and to safeguard the interests and wellbeing of current residents.
Yours faithfully,
Sai Kumar
Unit 68, Herbert Towers
19–23 Herbert Street, St Leonards

I wish to provide my support for the proposed redevelopment. I am a resident in the nearby Herbert Towers and think this additional housing would be so welcome to share in the logistical benefit of the area which I know is elite.

While I acknowledge that developments of this scale inevitably involve trade-offs and that some existing residents will experience changes (mostly temporary) to aspects of their amenity, I believe the proposal represents an amazing opportunity to deliver additional housing in a location that is already highly suited to increased density. The campaign by others in the building has been over the top and sadly some reasoning is petty, tacky and, hate to say it, not in my backyard mentality.

I am worried to put my name to this for fear of repercussions. I’m grateful to be able to provide my views anonymously.

The site is located within an established urban area with excellent access to public transport (like amazing), employment, health services and many other commercial uses. I’m sure many more businesses could open providing even more benefits for us. Existing surrounding land uses already include major infrastructure (train, metro and pacific highway) and higher-density development going up everywhere around St Leonards and Crows Nest. It’s great to see. The area has the capacity for it. In this context, concentrating additional housing in well-connected locations is the best idea and enables more people to benefit from the same advantages that existing residents currently enjoy. I know how great it is living here. Parking is already very difficult because of the restrictions borne from being near a hospital.

I understand concerns have been raised regarding building height, loss of views?? (presumably of the Aus Post Office Depot and current empty commercial buildings…) and changes to the existing ‘industrial’ character of the area. However, cities evolve over time and private views and unchanged surroundings cannot reasonably be expected to remain permanently protected, particularly in locations where more housing is so welcome. The views from the top of the development will probably be amazing. There are really very few people that are heavily affected by this development given the overall lack of current neighbours - kudos to the developers for identifying this.

I also note that the proposal sits within a precinct that already contains other significant infrastructure and taller buildings. While the scale of the development is substantial, height alone should not be viewed as a reason for refusal where the planning outcomes are positive and where appropriate design controls are applied. The more the merrier in this area, especially near the hospital which would be great for workers and for people in early retirement that still want to be independent by near health care.

The one aspect that I believe deserves careful consideration is the management of construction impacts. Construction noise, dust, vibration and disruption should be minimised as far as practicable, and robust management plans should be required to protect neighbouring residents during the construction period. These impacts, while temporary, are likely to be the most tangible effect experienced by existing residents and should be appropriately managed.

With respect to solar access, some reduction in sunlight and changes to outlook are an inevitable consequence. Herbert Towers is quite old and there are still no solar panels... Such impacts should be assessed, but they should be balanced against the significant public benefit of delivering additional homes in a location (and country) that is already well served by transport, services and employment opportunities.

Overall, I support the proposal and encourage the approval authority to focus on achieving high-quality design and strong construction management measures rather than resisting additional housing in a location that is well suited to embrace a future St Leonards that is exceptional.

This new project will dramatically increase the traffic on Herbert St and during peak hours will make it very difficult to exit from unit block at 9 Herbert St. (and others I presume) Over the 10 years years I have resided in Herbert street the traffic has continued to increase and there are now long queues during peak hour.
What provisions are been made in this development to mitigate against increased difficultly for current residents to enter Herbert St.