I am writing to formally object to the proposed amendments to the mixed-use development at 903–921 Bourke Street, Waterloo.

The originally approved scheme already represents a substantial increase in density and built form within the precinct. The current proposal seeks to significantly intensify the development by increasing the number of dwellings from approximately 376 to around 580 apartments. This scale of uplift goes well beyond what was originally assessed under the existing planning controls.

A key concern is the substantial increase in building height. The amended proposal introduces buildings of up to approximately 126 metres, representing a dramatic escalation compared to the approved scheme. This level of height and bulk is inconsistent with the established and planned urban character of Waterloo and risks creating an overdeveloped and visually dominant built form.

Importantly, the proposal fails to maintain an appropriate human scale at street level. Buildings of this height and mass can create a sense of enclosure, reduce visual permeability, and negatively impact the pedestrian experience. This undermines the intended balance between density and livability within the precinct.

Such an increase in density and scale will also place additional pressure on local infrastructure, including transport networks, public open space, and community facilities, which are already under strain in this rapidly growing area.

The existing planning framework was designed to ensure a balance between development and livability. The proposed amendments fundamentally alter that balance and set an undesirable precedent for future developments within the precinct.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that the proposed amendments be refused.

Thank you for your consideration.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Major Development at Bourke Street.

My concerns relate to the scale of the project and its impact on the existing community and infrastructure.

Firstly, the proposed height of the development, at 37 storeys, is significantly out of character with the surrounding area. This excessive height does not align with the established streetscape and will fundamentally alter the character of the neighbourhood.

Secondly, the development will result in substantial overshadowing of existing residential buildings. This will reduce natural light, negatively affect amenity, and impact the wellbeing of current residents.

In addition, local infrastructure is already under considerable strain. Public transport, particularly bus services, is frequently overcrowded and operating at capacity. The proposed increase in population will further exacerbate this issue.

There are also serious concerns regarding essential services. The existing sewerage system and electricity grid do not appear to have sufficient capacity to support a development of this scale, raising risks to reliability and service quality.

Furthermore, community infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and other essential services are already experiencing high demand. This development will place additional pressure on these facilities without clear evidence of corresponding upgrades.

Parking is another significant issue. Street parking in the area is already at maximum capacity, and the development is likely to worsen congestion and reduce accessibility for residents and visitors.

Overall, the cumulative impact of this development has not been adequately addressed. I urge the consent authority to reconsider this proposal and assess it in the context of existing infrastructure limitations and community impact.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours sincerely,
Irina Bogatyreva

I object to the proposed development at 903–921 Bourke Street, Waterloo due to its excessive building height and impact on surrounding residents. The proposal seeks to increase the height from 65m to 126m, which is a substantial change and would make it one of the tallest buildings in the area, creating a development that is out of scale with its surroundings. This height is likely to obstruct existing city views currently enjoyed by nearby residents, including my property, resulting in a loss of visual amenity and reduced quality of living. The significant increase in both building height and floor space ratio also represents a major departure from existing planning controls and sets an undesirable precedent for future overdevelopment in the area. For these reasons, I request that the proposal be refused or that the building height be significantly reduced.

See attached

I strongly object to this development for the following reasons:
Infrastructure in the area is already under strain and the proposed enormous increase to number of apartments will make this untenable. I use the 343 bus to travel to work and in the mornings buses will often not stop at the corner of McEvoy and Elizabeth streets as the bus is frequently already at capacity and unable to take additional passengers. As an alternative i can use the train from Green Square but the trains are already at or near capacity with passengers squeezing onto full trains. Another alternative is the metro but there is only standing room - and this will become worse once the metro line opens up to stations located further out than Sydenham. With the proposed development the transport will be stretched beyond a workable level.

The development is also completely out of keeping with the surrounding area. The height of the buildings will dominate the local streetscape. It is not at all in character with the rest of the area. The buildings will overshadow other buildings in the vicinity.

There are no planned additional amenities and what is already here is already oversubscribed.

Without the necessary additional parking the local streets will be put under too much pressure and residents who already live in the area will not have access to parking on local streets such as Hunter Street and Young Street.

I also think it sets a bad precedent that a developer puts in an initial planning application to unlock a site and then seeks to develop the site far beyond what was originally intended. Waterloo is an obvious area for additional growth but the sheer density of housing in the planned development will put unacceptable strain on the local area.

For the above reasons I strongly object to the development.

Please see attached

My objection is attached hereto, thank you. Colleen Hall