I object to SSD-86456706, the proposed residential flat buildings at 142 to 150 Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba.
I am a property owner and resident of Katoomba. I have attached a detailed submission and ask that it be considered in full.
In summary, I object to the proposal because it is excessive in scale, inconsistent with the local planning controls and character of Katoomba, and inappropriate for the environmental, bushfire, traffic and infrastructure constraints of the Blue Mountains.
I also object to the use of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway for this development and for developments of this kind in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains should not be treated as another metropolitan infill location for high density development.
I request that the proposal be refused.

Ugly, environmentally unsound, does not fit with the heritage of the Blue Mountains, let alone Katoomba and most definitely not suitable or appropriate to be built in a National Park. It looks like a prison, access for traffic is not safe and the dwellings will not be affordable for the majority of Mountains residents.

I support increased housing in the Blue Mountains but this proposal is too high in density for the context of the low density residential and natural area surrounds.

I completely object to this project. It is a huge risk right on an escarpent in a fire zone with one road in and out. It is not in keeping with the existing character of the mountains. Such a project if approved sets a bad precedent for these kind of high rise buildings i the mountains. Environmentally it has a huge detriment to the environment.

As the local State Representative for the seat of the Blue Mountains I write to formally lodge my objections to the State Significant Development application SSD -86456706 for Narrow Neck Rd in Katoomba.

As a resident of the Blue Mountains I am deeply concerned by the HAD process that overrides LEP safeguards that are designed to protect the mountain’s environment and heritage.

The disruption of ecosystems that are crucial to the World Heritage listing is unacceptable as is the increase in stormwater runoff and insensitivity to Aboriginal concerns.

Not only are there are many trees including 17 significant trees that will be destroyed if this proposal goes ahead but large multistorey blocks are totally out of character for the region. The roads are narrow and cyclists and pedestrians will be at risk with the increased traffic while evacuating the number of residents in these blocks under bushfire conditions would be a nightmare that will endanger lives.

Our local economy depends on tourists who come for a quiet leafy environment and the village atmosphere. Such developments threaten the local economy.

While there is a need for social housing in the mountains, smaller more discrete buildings are what are needed. This proposed development will do little to provide housing for the local residents but will be another opportunity for non-resident investors. This proposal should not be considered now or in the future.

I live at t Narrow Neck Rd Katoomba. I did not receive any communication from the developer.
This is an absolute nightmare for my family and my future living in Narrow Neck Rd Katoomba.
I have lived in Katoomba for 55 years arriving here as a 10 week old baby. I valued the local house environment for my three children, the thought of 95 residents bunched in this small area is nightmarish.
Firstly, we live on the corner of Narrow neck rd where it intersects with Wellington Road. There are no gutters or footpaths and cars speed around the corner continually. The intersection of Stuarts Rd and Narrow neck road would be virtually impossible if the amount of traffic that is expected comes from the new development.
Secondly, I do not believe that it is within a reasonable walking distance to town for people and the local bus system is low in volume. The people would need to drive adding to the road issues mentioned above.
This is an absolute over development of the site and would create an extraordinary pressure on this area in relation to services, noise and foot and road traffic.
The impact on the valley below the development will be significant and the developers do not obviously care about their human neighbor (hence the lack of consultation) let alone the fauna and flora which will be impacted.
All in all, I am appalled that the State Government is considering approving this development. It is an ill-considered project, inappropriate for this area and will have long term negative impacts if it goes ahead.

To: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Re: Submission of Objection – SSD-86456706: Mixed-use development at 142-150 Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development at 142-150 Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba. As a concerned stakeholder, I believe the scale and nature of this proposal represent an inappropriate overdevelopment that threatens the unique character and safety of the Blue Mountains.
My objection is based on the following key concerns:
Inappropriate Scale and Height: The proposal for nine buildings up to five storeys in height significantly exceeds the local planning controls established by the Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan (LEP). This high-density "metropolitan-style" design is fundamentally unsuited to Katoomba’s character.
Visual Impact on World Heritage Landscape: The site is located on the Katoomba escarpment. A development of this magnitude will have a permanent, detrimental visual impact on the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and the iconic views from nearby lookouts like Echo Point and Narrow Neck.
Unacceptable Bushfire Risk: The site is surrounded by bushfire-prone land. Doubling the density in a high-risk area poses a severe threat to community safety, particularly regarding emergency evacuation along Narrow Neck Road.
Environmental Degradation: The development risks the health of the Katoomba Creek catchment through increased runoff and potential pollution, directly threatening local biodiversity and downstream ecosystems.
Circumvention of Local Planning: By utilizing the State Significant Development pathway, this proposal bypasses the local community's voice and the rigorous environmental standards specifically designed for this fragile region.
I urge the Department to reject this application in its current form and uphold the existing local planning protections that safeguard the Blue Mountains' unique environment and community.
Signed:
Michael De-Campo
14 Mort St Katoomba NSW 2780