Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Subject: Objection to State Significant Development Application SSD-76220734 – Indigo By Moran, 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen

Dear Minister/Secretary,

I write as a concerned resident of a nearby street in Narrabeen to formally object to the State Significant Development Application (SSD-76220734) for Seniors Housing at 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen. I urge the Department to reject the proposal or require significant amendments, as the development fails to satisfy key merit considerations under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) and poses detrimental local impacts.

My primary objections are detailed below, framed against the assessment criteria set out in Section 4.15 of the EPA Act, which requires the consent authority to consider the likely impacts of the development and the suitability of the site.

1. Inconsistency with Local Character and Amenity (EPA Act Objects & Section 4.15(1)(b))

The development, in its current form, is not aligned with the established built form and desired future character of the Narrabeen suburb and surrounding local streets.

The Objects of the EPA Act (specifically Section 1.3) include promoting the good design and amenity of the built environment. As a neighbour, I believe the scale, bulk, and potential design of this proposal is excessive and inconsistent with the prevailing residential density and building typology in the area. Such a significant non-alignment represents a failure to uphold the requirement to consider the "likely impacts... including environmental impacts on... the built environments" under Section 4.15(1)(b). Approving a development that dramatically contrasts with the neighbourhood risks setting a negative planning precedent that diminishes the established local character and amenity.

2. Detrimental Impact on Local Parking and Traffic Congestion (Section 4.15(1)(b))

I am deeply concerned about the negative impacts the finished development will have on local parking and traffic flow, which must be assessed as "social and economic impacts in the locality" under Section 4.15(1)(b).

While the proposed seniors housing may meet minimum parking standards, the intense use proposed for the site will inevitably displace the limited current on-street parking relied upon by existing residents and visitors. Narrabeen already experiences significant parking pressures due to its proximity to the beach and local services. The addition of substantial new residential units, even for seniors, will generate visitor, staff, and service vehicle traffic that will directly compete for scarce street parking, resulting in widespread negative amenity impacts for the existing community. The proposed 7 visitor and 3 staff spaces for a development of this scale are unacceptable. 

Furthermore, the increased traffic movements associated with staff changes, deliveries, and visitors must be thoroughly reviewed for its cumulative impact on congestion in the surrounding area.

From the Traffic Impact Assessment, it is proposed that there will be some mitigation of traffic by residents cycling. This is an over-60’s development. A 2019 Australian Cycling Participation survey from 2019 showed 9% of men over 50 and 3.6% of women over 50 road once per week (https://austroads.gov.au/latest-news/3.43-million-australians-ride-bikes-for-transport-or-recreation-each-week#:~:text=Cycling%20rates%20for%20both%20men%20and%20women,2.6%25%20in%202017%20to%203.6%25%20in%202019.) Based on this data and taking account of the development being for over-60’s, it seems not genuine to suggest cycling would have any meaningful impact on local parking and traffic congestion. 

3. Public Safety Risks for Pedestrians and Cyclists (Section 4.15(1)(b) and (e))

My most serious concern relates to the safety of local children, particularly those who use bicycles to navigate local streets. Increased vehicle movements on local feeder streets, caused by the concentration of traffic from this development, will significantly elevate the risk of accidents.

The consideration of the "likely impacts" under Section 4.15(1)(b) and the public interest (Section 4.15(1)(e)) must take into account the safety of vulnerable road users. The Traffic Impact Assessment fails to adequately demonstrate that the surrounding streets can safely accommodate this significant increase in daily vehicle trips without compromising community safety, the proposal should be deemed contrary to the public interest. Pushing both construction and resident traffic onto Lagoon Street is irresponsible. With morning and afternoon school traffic (car, pedestrian, children cycling) from St Joseph’s public school on Lagoon street and with the only access to Woolworths being via Wellington street, this risks dangerous traffic conditions, without any meaningul mitigation safety strategies in place.

Conclusion

I respectfully request that the Department carefully consider these substantial grounds for objection against the statutory requirements of the EPA Act. The proposed development compromises local character, exacerbates existing infrastructure pressures regarding parking and traffic, and introduces unacceptable safety risks to the community.

I look forward to the Department’s acknowledgment of these concerns and confirmation that they will be fully considered during the determination process.

Sincerely,
Local Resident

SSD Application Number: SSD-76220734
Development Name: Indigo By Moran - 156 Ocean Street Narrabeen

Objection to Building Application by Indigo by Moran – 5-Storey Seniors Housing Development, Ocean Street, North Narrabeen
I am writing to strongly object to the proposed development application by Indigo by Moran to construct a five-storey seniors housing complex comprising 149 Independent Living Units in Ocean Street, North Narrabeen.

This proposal is wholly inappropriate for the location and raises several serious concerns:
1. Excessive Building Height:
The proposed five-storey structure significantly exceeds the current building height limits for the area. Allowing a development of this scale would fundamentally alter the character and visual amenity of North Narrabeen, which is defined by its low-rise, coastal village feel.
2. Traffic and Parking Impacts:
The increase in residents and visitors associated with 149 units will inevitably exacerbate existing parking and traffic issues. The surrounding streets are already under strain, and the additional demand for car spaces will place unsustainable pressure on local infrastructure.
3. Overdevelopment and Precedent:
North Narrabeen is a unique and much-loved community with a distinct coastal character. Approving this over-scaled development would set a dangerous precedent for future overdevelopment, further eroding the area’s identity and livability.

In summary, this proposal is not in keeping with the scale, character, or infrastructure capacity of the local area. North Narrabeen does not need — nor can it support — developments of this magnitude.

I therefore urge the Council to reject this application in its current form.

Yours sincerely,
James Ocean St resident

The projects js much higher density than the surrounding buildings and much taller. The site is on a narrow strip between the lagoon and the lake which is very suburban and will tower above everything else. Such a huge project will radically change the environment and community in this part of narrabeen

I am objecting to this proposal on the grounds that it is not in character with the surrounding area. The proposed height is far above any nearby buildings. It will considerably change the character of Ocean Street and will have serious impacts upon light and traffic. There is considerably community opposition to this project.

I purchased my property in 2023 on Narrabeen Peninsula because it was low rise development. The new development is out of scale with the Narrabeen low rise coastal character.

Increased traffic along Lagoon, Ocean and surrounding streets will be a major concern if this high rise development is given the go ahead. Street parking is currently hard to find 7 days a week, with weekends and school holidays, (especially summer), making it extremely difficult.

The safety of the many senior citizens who live in the area will be a risk due to the increased traffic.

The removal of mature pine and gums trees along Lagoon Street is not acceptable. There is large bird life in the area and the removal of trees will put them at risk.

I love where I live and believe the proposed development will compromise the beauty of Narrabeen Peninsula’s low rise coastal character.

Caroline Nicholls

The project will affect traffic flow as streets are narrow and busy now. Also the removal of pine trees native to area is wrong and will impact local landscape - these trees are historic. This is a community made up of 2 & 3 storey buildings & will stand out.

I am objecting to the project on 1. Traffic / congestion and safety reason, 2. No consideration for afford-ability of housing for less advantaged and 3. No consideration to the local community by way of improving infrastructure and local amenity.
1. Lagoon street is congested and has both sides of the street always 100% filled with parked cars, with the northern end of Lagoon street only 7 metres wide with no passing, another 300 cars a day entering this road is dangerous and unwarranted, there should be no entrances or exits from the development onto lagoon street.
2. The northern beaches like many areas of Sydney has a shortage of housing for those less privileged in our society. How does 149 high end apartments to be marketed at $2.5m to $3.5m each help the less fortunate. 20% of units should be for essential workers.
3. The bulk of this development allows Indigo residents to maximise their Ocean aspects and maintain green areas within the development however the existing local community lose sight lines, are subjected to overshadowing , there is no material contributions to local road ways or infrastructure and set backs are inadequate.

This development proposal in no way supports the local community and is a grab by the developers, who are seeking to maximise profits under the guise of an over 60s development with an alleged offering of aged care that is subject to manipulation.

When I purchased my property it was low rise. If a 6 storey development is allowed it will be a free for all. The new complex is out of scale with Narrabeen Peninsula low rise coastal character.

Increased traffic along Lagoon, Ocean and surrounding streets will be a major concern if this high rise development is approved. Street parking is hard to find 7 days a week, with weekends and school holidays, (especially summer), making it extremely difficult.

The safety of the many senior citizens who live in the area will be at risk due to the increased traffic. It can be difficult for pedestrians even now with the current traffic.

The removal of mature pine and gum trees along Lagoon Street is just Not Acceptable. We have a large bird habitat in the area and the removal of trees will put them at risk.

Many properties with long-standing views will have their views blocked by the multi-storey development which is an intrusion.

We love where we live and enjoy the easy living, laid back lifestyle and low-rise coastal area. Please do not destroy the beauty of Narrabeen Peninsula.

Penny Moore

We do not want to let Ocean Street become a concrete jungle of high rise flats. It starts here with a six storey development.

This project grossly exceeds the current building heights within the Narrabeen area. This would become the norm that all future developers would aspire to.

The area is not like Dee Why and developments of this scale and height should not be approved within this area. I fully support seniors living, but in the form, scale and height of the surrounding environment.

Please reject this application to be more sympathetic with the area.