I wish to express a number of concerns regarding this development. I am a resident of twenty years in Narrow Neck Road not far from the proposed development site and am identified as an owner of a property neighbouring the development. I am not against construction of new residences in the area but the scale, nature and location of this proposal is of concern.
Real Estate data (Domain) suggests there are currently less than 120 homes in Narrow Neck Rd and this proposal is for an additional 270 dwellings including serviced apartments.
My concerns are:
1. Effect on local roads
The proposal is far from major transport facilities and the railway station which will necessarily result in a large increase in cars on local roads. Narrow Neck Rd is a narrow single lane road with bends and crests which is already carrying the burden of tourist coach and car traffic. It is used by a large number of cyclists and walkers. In many areas walkers are forced onto the road. Any increase in traffic can only be a safety hazard for locals and visitors.
2. Bush fire concerns
I have experienced 2 bush fire evacuations while living here. The events were very traumatic and stressful. More than doubling the number of dwellings to be evacuated is a serious safety concern and will add greatly to the challenges of managing evacuations and ensuring the safety of residents. High density housing is not appropriate for bush fire prone areas.
3. Effect on the character of the area
The height of proposed buildings far exceeds the current max 2 storeys and is completely incompatible with the traditional and heritage character of the area, a character which has contributed to the area’s appeal. High density housing is not appropriate for a World Heritage listed area.
4. Equitable concerns
The Local Environmental Plans currently in place which govern what sort of development is appropriate for the area are the result of many years of study and input by people with local expertise from different fields. This development will have a negative impact on a large number of local residents and it is alarming that LEP’s can be simply overturned by rezoning land usage to the huge benefit of one developer. The rights of one developer shouldn’t outweigh the rights of even one resident.
5. Environmental concerns
The proposed development site is adjacent to sensitive swamp areas in an area that has only recently been returned to the local community as an open area. The scale of this development will severely impact and degrade the ecosystem of the hanging swamp nearby.

I totally oppose this project for reasons I discuss in the attached document

I stand against this development for the following reasons. Firstly - the Blue Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is already at risk of impact from existing urban areas inside it. What makes it special and brings visitors to this area is the distinct lack of development and the preservation of the wilderness surrounding it. Hopefully council and residents can make these areas more sustainable going forward; an easier task at our current scale. A dense development like this will undoubtedly put further strain on the natural environment in this area, while also becoming a blemish on the skyline that currently provides residents and visitors with a beautiful view into the Jameson and Megalong Valleys. I fear this building would also set a precedent for future development that would facilitate overtourism, congestion of resident access and unsustainable amounts of waste from developments such as this. Council already struggles to maintain roads and other aspects of our urban environment in Katoomba and surrounding villages.

Further, the fact this area and development has been deemed safe from bushfires is pure fallacy and emblematic of our arrogance surrounding the control of the inherently chaotic nature of the elements. The entire Blue Mountains National Park is at risk of bushfire, especially locations such as these which are very close to the valley. Residents of such a development would be at risk of the ongoing unpredictable conditions of our climate here in what is essentially the deep wilderness of the National Park..

In a rapidly urbanised world, the Blue Mountains National Park is a unique sanctuary that can be enjoyed by many people from around the world. But there are limitations to this that must be responsibly managed to ensure this will be a reality in the future. We must move towards making what we already have here more harmonious with the environment, not creating larger, more denser urban projects.

Dear NSW Planning,

I am deeply opposed to this development because:

a) it features double the housing density and double the height of other development in the area, and overrides the highly appropriate limits for these attributes set in the local Council's Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP).
b) development like this is dangerous given the site is surround by bushfire prone land
c) community consultation has been flawed and totally inadequate
d) affordable housing provisions are temporary and therefore tokenistic
e) the building heights will make the buildings visible in the distance and corrupt visible amenity that is a distinct part of the World Heritage values of the area.

I agree with the objections raised by the Blue Mountains City Council and the Blue Mountains Conversation Society. I am horrified that State Government instruments - State Significant Development and Housing Delivery Authority - are being used to fast track an appalling and community-abusive development.

Yours sincerely,

Please see the attached document for my thoughts on this proposal.

I oppose the proposed development at 142-150 Narrow Neck Road and I Oppose the use of the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway in the Blue Mountains. We relocated to live in the Blue Mountains a year and a half ago because of our appreciation of the delicate ecosystems, and incredible natural landscape. It is devastating to think that this development is going to impede and negatively impact this delicate ecosystem.
It also would be very sad to bring an aesthetic and landscape design that is not congruent with the rest of the area and the cultural identity. It is the particular cultural identtity and aesthetic that respects the natural landscape and prioritises its health and protection that has attracted many with similar values towards the mountains.

Keep Katoomba seperate from Sydney suburbs, retain nature and community within the town.
I oppose the development strongly.