I write to ask that the current proposed redevelopment of 47 Darby Street, Cooks Hill, be rejected. Using Spot reduces the value of the spot rezoning provision.
The area around this site is a well-loved and well-used part of Newcastle. I live a couple of kilometres away and often walk in Darby Street which I enjoy because of its ‘lived in’ ambience. In an area with a 14-metre height zone a 45-metre building would be grossly out of place. Minimal setbacks will contribute to the overblown, oversized proportions of the buildings.
47 Darby street is a location noted for its new art gallery two-story art gallery, character buildings of modest height, and the Civic Park. The development proposed would dwarf the present streetscape and destroy its heritage and cultural ambience.
The development on display would see the 1930s former electrical machine shop destroyed. This building is an important part of a much-treasured heritage part of Newcastle. It ought to be retained as part of the heritage character of Cooks Hill.

It is the wrong place for such a large development.

I object the mixed use proposal for 47 Darby St. The proposed height of the development is excessive relative to surrounding structures in this historic civic precinct and will dwarf them and affect the public spaces of Civic Park, the Newcastle Gallery and Library. The high rise nature of this development is out of place outside of the city centre. The luxury appartments proposed are unlikely to impact our housing crisis with those in greatest need of housing unlikely to be able to afford these dwellings. The lack of consultation of the developer regarding this proposal has been shocking given the location of the development in the civic precinct.

I object to this project for the following reasons: 1. It exceeds the Councils height restrictions of 14m to a height of 45m. 2.It overshadows and is directly adjacent to the current residential areas especially the Regency Park Community, which is a 52 family community and their outdoor pool, tennis court and other outdoor recreation areas. 3. It will overshadow the newly developed Newcastle Art Gallery and the Civic Park. 4. This project, in addition to the nearby current new development, Sovereign Park, will greatly increase the overall population density for this neighborhood community . 5. This project does not fit in with the current
cultural and historic district make up of the existing area.

Keep major developments in the CBD of Newcastle out of State hands.

Development is not suitable for a very congested area of the CBD opposite a newly refurbished art gallery ,which will once opened,carry alot of traffic . Also development will take aesthetic away from a cultural centre.

I simply want to add my support for these initiatives as a Newcastle resident.

Scott Hayes
20 Jabiru Ave
Maryland NSW 2287
15-02-2026
To Whom It May Concern,
Subject: Objection to Planning Proposal for 47 Darby Street, Newcastle
I am writing to formally object to the planning proposal for 47 Darby Street, Newcastle, which is currently under consideration. I believe that the proposal, as outlined in the submitted plans, raises several concerns that would have a negative impact on the surrounding community, local infrastructure, and the character of the area. I would like to respectfully outline my objections below:
1.Zoning and Land Use Compatibility
The proposal is not in keeping with the current zoning regulations and intended land use for this area. I think that the proposed development will result in an inappropriate commercial or residential use in a location that is designated for low-density development. This would significantly alter the character of the neighbourhood and create an imbalance between residential and commercial spaces.
2. oncern 2 – Traffic and Parking
The proposed development will exacerbate traffic congestion and place additional strain on the already limited parking availability in the vicinity. There are already concerns about street parking on Darby Street, and the proposed development does not include sufficient off-street parking for its residents, visitors, or customers, which will likely lead to further congestion.
3.Impact on Local Infrastructure]
The development is likely to overburden local infrastructure, including roads, water supply, sewer systems, and waste management.
4.Concern 4 – Environmental Impact
I have concerns regarding the environmental impact of the proposed development. The development will involve the demolition of existing structures, which may result in the loss of green space or contribute to increased pollution in the area. Additionally.
5. Concern 5 – Character of the Neighbourhood
The development is not consistent with the character and aesthetic of the neighbourhood. The proposed building design and scale are out of proportion with the surrounding heritage-listed properties, and the development will result in an aesthetic imbalance in the area, which is predominantly residential and low-rise.
6. [Concern 6 – Social and Community Impact]
The proposed development may lead to adverse social consequences for the local community. The development is based on luxury apartments, not focused on building medium density housing to help with the current housing crisis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while I understand the need for development in growing cities such as Newcastle, I do not believe that the proposed development at 47 Darby Street is appropriate for the location, given its potential negative impacts on the environment, infrastructure, traffic, and the local community. I urge the State Government to carefully consider these concerns and either reject the proposal or require significant modifications to ensure that it aligns with the community's needs and the long-term sustainability of the area.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Sincerely,
Scott Hayes

I object to the development for the following reasons:
- A high rise apartment in that location is not in harmony with the surrounding gentile low rise residential suburbs.
- Traffic is already highly congested in this area and dangerously so for the size of the roads.
- It jars with the architectural style of the area
- It will significantly deminish the impact of the brand new development of the art gallery

I also object to the Prime Minister and three unelected beauricrats making development decisions without local council consultation.

I received a flyer in the mail petitioning me to say no to this project. I will do no such thing. Instead, I strongly support this project, because I value giving people the opportunity to exist and thrive in this great city more than I value inarticulate arguments about the supremacy of local development rules or 'building height blowouts'.

I recently received a flyer opposing this proposed development, and I was extremely disappointed by its message. After taking the time to review what is being proposed, it is clear to me that this development forms part of the solution to a very real and ongoing housing supply crisis.

As a young person, housing affordability is a constant source of stress. It is frustrating to see opposition to developments that increase housing supply, particularly when governments at all levels are actively trying to meet housing targets to address this issue. Saying “no” to additional dwellings directly undermines these efforts and perpetuates the problem.

This proposal represents a positive step forward for Newcastle, especially in a well-located and vibrant area like Darby Street. The precinct is growing but currently lacks sufficient supporting infrastructure. A modern mixed-use development would help activate the area, support local businesses, and provide much-needed housing close to jobs, services, and transport.

Newcastle is a growing city, and growth requires appropriate infrastructure and investment to support it. Developments like this generate employment, improve urban amenity, and contribute to the long-term economic and social health of the city.

The existing building is an eyesore and does little to contribute positively to the streetscape. I am genuinely excited by the prospect of replacing it with a well-designed, modern mixed-use development that better reflects Newcastle’s future rather than its past.