I am writing to formally object to the proposed development in Lane Cove. My concerns relate primarily to infrastructure inadequacy, traffic congestion, and the broader impact on residents’ quality of life.
Firstly, there is a clear and significant lack of public transport servicing this location. At present, there are no direct or efficient public transport options connecting this area to the Sydney CBD. Importantly, there is no evidence that any meaningful transport infrastructure upgrades have been planned or committed to as part of this proposal. Increasing residential density without corresponding transport investment is unsustainable.
Secondly, traffic congestion in the area has already reached critical levels. A journey from Lane Cove village to 300 Burns Bay Road, a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometres currently takes up to 20 minutes during peak hours. This represents a substantial increase from under 10 minutes in previous years, demonstrating how existing road infrastructure is already under strain.

The proposed development will inevitably result in a significant increase in vehicle numbers. Key arterial routes, including Burns Bay Road and Victoria Road, are already heavily congested, with travel times of up to 40 minutes for distances as short as 8 kilometres. Additional traffic generated by this development will further exacerbate these delays and reduce overall network efficiency.

Beyond congestion, there are concerns regarding the resulting urban environment. Increased density without appropriate planning risks creating an overcrowded and less liveable area. The cumulative impacts of traffic, reduced amenity, and environmental factors such as noise and air quality must be carefully considered.
There is also a serious concern about accessibility for future residents, particularly those in affordable housing. Without adequate public transport or local infrastructure, residents may face significant challenges in accessing employment, education, and essential services. This raises questions about the suitability of the site for higher-density or affordable housing outcomes.

Finally, the proposed parking provisions are insufficient. Allocating approximately one car space per dwelling does not reflect the realities of this location, where reliance on private vehicles is high due to the lack of public transport. Insufficient off-street parking will likely lead to increased on-street parking pressure and further congestion, compounding existing traffic issues, including those associated with the Rozelle interchange.
In summary, this proposal does not adequately address the existing infrastructure constraints or the cumulative impacts of increased density in this area.
I urge the relevant authorities to reconsider or significantly revise the development to ensure that infrastructure, transport, and community needs are properly met before proceeding.

The proposed development would have a significant negative impact on an area that is already experiencing high levels of density, traffic congestion and infrastructure strain. Key concerns include:

The intersection of Penrose Street and Burns Bay Road is already heavily congested during peak periods, with queuing on both roads often adding up to 30 minutes to travel times. Additional residential density will further worsen delays and reduce the efficiency of the surrounding road network.
Similar congestion issues already exist at the Centennial Avenue and Epping Road intersection, where peak period queuing is substantial. Increased traffic volumes generated by the development are likely to exacerbate these existing bottlenecks.
The site is located along a ridge line with significant topographical constraints, meaning there is little or no practical opportunity to widen Burns Bay Road in the future to accommodate additional traffic demand.
Public transport in the area is already inadequate. Bus services along Burns Bay Road are relatively infrequent, unreliable, frequently cancelled and often slow, particularly for commuters travelling to key destinations such as Chatswood, Burwood, the CBD and Lane Cove interchange.
Pedestrian infrastructure along Burns Bay Road is poor. Footpaths are narrow, often unsafe, and lack sufficient separation from heavy traffic, creating safety concerns for residents and pedestrians.
The existing road network is further constrained by the prohibition on right turns from Burns Bay Road into Waterview Drive when travelling northbound. This “hook turn” arrangement already creates queuing and capacity issues at the Burns Bay Road and Waterview Drive intersection.
The Waterview Drive intersection itself is complex, and the surrounding roads are narrow and constrained. These roads are not well suited to accommodate increased traffic volumes, construction vehicles or the associated increase in pedestrian risk.
Parking in the area is already under pressure. Existing on-street parking and nearby parking facilities, including the council car park and Hughes Park, are already subject to overflow and illegal parking. The parking provision proposed as part of the development appears insufficient and will likely worsen these issues.
Any increase in the current building height allowance of seven storeys would have a substantial impact on solar access for surrounding properties. Increased overshadowing would leave neighbouring buildings in shadow for much of the day, reducing natural light and increasing reliance on heating, cooling and electricity use.
Additional building height may also have a detrimental impact on local plant and bird life by increasing overshadowing, reducing habitat quality and altering the character of the surrounding environment.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development in Lane Cove. My concerns relate primarily to infrastructure inadequacy, traffic congestion, and the broader impact on residents’ quality of life.
Firstly, there is a clear and significant lack of public transport servicing this location. At present, there are no direct or efficient public transport options connecting this area to the Sydney CBD. Importantly, there is no evidence that any meaningful transport infrastructure upgrades have been planned or committed to as part of this proposal. Increasing residential density without corresponding transport investment is unsustainable.
Secondly, traffic congestion in the area has already reached critical levels. A journey from Lane Cove village to 300 Burns Bay Road, a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometres currently takes up to 20 minutes during peak hours. This represents a substantial increase from under 10 minutes in previous years, demonstrating how existing road infrastructure is already under strain.
The proposed development will inevitably result in a significant increase in vehicle numbers. Key arterial routes, including Burns Bay Road and Victoria Road, are already heavily congested, with travel times of up to 40 minutes for distances as short as 8 kilometres. Additional traffic generated by this development will further exacerbate these delays and reduce overall network efficiency.
Beyond congestion, there are concerns regarding the resulting urban environment. Increased density without appropriate planning risks creating an overcrowded and less liveable area. The cumulative impacts of traffic, reduced amenity, and environmental factors such as noise and air quality must be carefully considered.
There is also a serious concern about accessibility for future residents, particularly those in affordable housing. Without adequate public transport or local infrastructure, residents may face significant challenges in accessing employment, education, and essential services. This raises questions about the suitability of the site for higher-density or affordable housing outcomes.
Finally, the proposed parking provisions are insufficient. Allocating approximately one car space per dwelling does not reflect the realities of this location, where reliance on private vehicles is high due to the lack of public transport. Insufficient off-street parking will likely lead to increased on-street parking pressure and further congestion, compounding existing traffic issues, including those associated with the Rozelle interchange.
In summary, this proposal does not adequately address the existing infrastructure constraints or the cumulative impacts of increased density in this area. I urge the relevant authorities to reconsider or significantly revise the development to ensure that infrastructure, transport, and community needs are properly met before proceeding.

Dear Sirs

I own Unit 102 in 8 Waterview Drive, Lane Cove NSW 2066, adjoining the proposed development and therefore I am adversely affected by this proposed development.

I am writing to voice my objection to the over-development of 300 Burns Bay Road, a development which allegedly falls within a SSD.

I would like to point out that I am sending this objection via email as there have been issues in making submissions via the planning portal

The thrust of my objections:

1. The development is for about 221 units in towers of up to 15 storeys high. This is gross overdevelopment, where the average height of buildings is just 6 or 7 storeys. It is out of character for the neighbourhood. The buildings, if they are allowed to go ahead as per plans, will overshadow 8 Waterview Drive, Lane Cove, where I own a unit. There is no other development in the area which is remotely similar in height and scale which points to a gross over-reach of a DA.
2. Separately from the above, the 221 units is a massive increase in density. You may want to and , in any event, should consider, that the traffic into 300 Burns Bay Road, and access to Waterview Drive is already a nightmare. The additional of the scale of housing will dramatically increase traffic and detrimentally do so. No attention has been given to this vital matter.
3. As an Owner in 8 Waterview Drive, Lane Cove, my apartment will needlessly suffer loss of view, loss of privacy, and overshadowing. This development, if it is allowed to proceed in its current form takes no account of these factors and should be rejected/denied in totality.
4. In buying into 8 Waterview Drive, Lane Cove, we were enticed by the character of the area, notably that housing was on the lower end of medium density. None of the surrounding building are greater than about 7 storeys high. This proposed development blows that out of the water and is unacceptable
5. The building proposal has pushed the envelope both figuratively and literally. The boundaries are pushed to the limit. The effect is that existing properties have less light, less, privacy and less green spaces. The entire area/precinct will be changed permanently
6. In any development, thought and planning must be given to fitting in with the character of the locality, the desirability to provide amenity without disturbing the existing character, the need for exiting residents/property owners to not be adversely affected by the development. None of these essential attributes are enshrined in this DA and must be rejected in its totality.

I trust my objection to this development is considered in full and that the DA in its current form is rejected in totality. While the desire for additional housing is a valid theme, that must be done with due consideration to the points I have raised above.

Kind regards
Kristen Mathias
Unit: 102/8 Waterview Drive, Lane Cove
Mob: 0403 877 766

We strongly object to SSD-87925706 current proposed development for 300 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove NSW.
> firstly to only have 14 days to respond to a proposal that severely affects us in every way – devastating view sharing losses, significant impact on our property values, unacceptable negative impact on the local traffic, massive overshadowing of many homes and parks and impacts on already strained infrastructure. Yet the applicant has had many months/years to prepare for this application and has obviously spent many, many thousands of dollars preparing expert reports and to allow affected residents a mere 14 days is, frankly, a slap in the face.

> The proposed development, as currently designed, threatens to undermine the nature and scale of the existing built form in the immediate area. The scale of the proposed building and options is incongruent with the existing streetscape, which is composed predominantly of seven-storey residential flat buildings and to inject a 15-storey tower in the middle of this area is overdevelopment in the extreme. I would also add that the ‘other’ proposal, for 30% above the existing, well suited Council controls will also have a devastating impact on us.

> There are some glaring inconsistencies and omissions within their documentation. Please see details toward end of our document

Please find attached our detailed submission outlining our personal reasons for our objection of SSD-87925706.

Thank you for your attention and serious review and consideration of this matter.
regards
Leonie Wishart & Jon Higlett

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed demolition of the existing structures and construction of three (3) residential flat buildings at 300 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove.

I wish to express my strong and unequivocal opposition to this development, which raises serious concerns in relation to amenity, traffic congestion, and the overall character of the surrounding area.

1. Severe Impact of Overshadowing on Existing Residences

The proposed development, at approximately 15 storeys in height, will result in significant and unacceptable overshadowing of surrounding homes.

This level of shadowing will have a profound negative impact on nearby residents, including:

Loss of natural sunlight, particularly during key daylight hours
Reduced thermal comfort, leading to colder homes and increased reliance on heating
Diminished use and enjoyment of outdoor spaces, such as gardens, balconies, and courtyards
Adverse impacts on mental wellbeing, as access to natural light is widely recognised as essential for health and quality of life

For many residents, their homes are their primary place of rest, family life, and wellbeing. The proposed scale of this development threatens to materially degrade these conditions. The overshadowing effects alone should be considered sufficient grounds for serious reconsideration of this proposal.

2. Significant Increase in Traffic and Commute Times

Burns Bay Road and surrounding local roads are already heavily congested, particularly during peak hours.

The introduction of three large residential flat buildings will:

Substantially increase vehicle volumes in an already strained road network
Exacerbate peak-hour congestion, leading to longer and more unpredictable commute times
Create additional safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents
Increase pressure on intersections and feeder roads, which are already operating near or at capacity

Residents in the area already experience lengthy commute times during peak periods, and this development will only worsen these conditions. There is no clear evidence that the local infrastructure can support this level of intensification without a significant and detrimental impact.

3. Gross Incompatibility with Existing Built Form

The proposed 15-storey buildings are completely out of character with the existing neighbourhood.

At present:

No surrounding dwellings come close in height, scale, or density
The area is defined by low- to mid-rise residential development, contributing to a cohesive and balanced streetscape

Introducing structures of this magnitude represents a dramatic and inappropriate overdevelopment of the site. It will:

Visually dominate the surrounding area
Undermine the established character and identity of Lane Cove
Set an undesirable precedent for future high-rise developments in similarly unsuitable locations

This proposal reflects a clear disconnect between the scale of the development and the context in which it is being placed.

4. Impact on Property Values

I wish to place particular emphasis on the likely reduction in property values for surrounding homes, arising directly from the scale and nature of this proposed development.

Property values in residential areas such as Lane Cove are intrinsically linked to key amenity factors, including access to natural light, privacy, outlook, streetscape character, and traffic conditions. This proposal would materially degrade many of these factors.

Specifically:

Loss of natural light and increased overshadowing will make nearby properties less desirable to prospective buyers and tenants, as bright, sunlit homes are consistently valued more highly in the market.
Reduced privacy, resulting from a high-density, 15-storey development overlooking surrounding homes, will diminish the sense of comfort and security that homeowners expect.
Visual dominance and obstruction of outlooks will fundamentally alter the appeal of neighbouring properties, particularly those that currently benefit from open skies, greenery, or a low-rise streetscape.
Increased traffic congestion and noise will further detract from the liveability of the area, making it less attractive for families and owner-occupiers seeking a quiet residential environment.
Overdevelopment and departure from neighbourhood character can lead to a perception of the area becoming overcrowded or overbuilt, which may discourage buyers who are specifically seeking the established charm and balance of the Lane Cove area.

Collectively, these impacts represent a tangible erosion of residential amenity, which is a key driver of property value. Homeowners in the immediate vicinity have made significant financial and personal investments based on the current character and conditions of the area. It is deeply concerning that this proposal would undermine those investments by introducing a development that is fundamentally incompatible with its surroundings.

While property value impacts are sometimes considered indirect, in this instance the connection is clear: the proposal would directly alter the factors that underpin market desirability. As such, the potential for value reduction should be treated as a serious and legitimate planning concern.

Conclusion

In its current form, this proposal represents an overly intensive, poorly integrated, and highly disruptive development that fails to adequately consider the needs and wellbeing of existing residents.

The scale, height, and density are inappropriate for the location, and the resulting impacts—particularly in relation to overshadowing, traffic congestion, and neighbourhood character—are severe and unacceptable.

I respectfully urge the relevant authority to reject this proposal in its current form or require substantial revisions that meaningfully address the concerns outlined above.

The traffic at the corner of Penrose St & Burns Bay Rd is already is already a huge issue for residents. It can take 30minutes to get through this intersection at peak hours, and creating more apartments nearby will worsen this problem. Furthermore a number of apartment owners are not provided parking and are therefore parking their cars on our street for extended period of time, which makes it difficult for visitors to the street, particularly elderly.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing as a Riverview resident to raise my concerns and objection to the proposed development at 300 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove.

A key issue for me is the traffic impact this project will bring. Burns Bay Road is already extremely busy, particularly during morning and afternoon peak times, where delays and congestion are a daily reality. Adding a development of this size, with a high number of residents in one location, will inevitably worsen these conditions. It is difficult to understand how the existing road network could cope without significant upgrades, which do not appear to be adequately addressed.

I am also concerned about the scale and density of the proposal. Packing such a large number of people into a single development feels out of step with the character of Lane Cove and surrounding areas like Riverview. One of the reasons people choose to live here is the balance between urban convenience and a more relaxed, community-focused environment. Developments of this magnitude risk changing that balance in a way that doesn’t align with the established feel of the suburb.

Parking pressures are another likely consequence. With limited visitor parking included, there will almost certainly be overflow into nearby streets and public areas. I am particularly concerned about the impact on parking at the Waterview Community Centre and Hughes Park. These are well-used community spaces, and increased demand for parking will make them less accessible for the people they are intended to serve.

Overall, I believe this proposal is too large for the location and would place unnecessary strain on local infrastructure while altering the character of the area. I ask that these concerns be taken into account when assessing the application.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Kind regards,
Harrison Layton.
Riverview NSW

At 225 residential units, 15 storeys and three towers, the housing development proposal for 300 Burns Bay Rd Lane Cove is double the average height and has 2-3+ times the number strata lots compared to other residential buildings in the immediate vicinity. There are only 237 car spaces proposed for 225 residential units. Given these parameters, the proposed building/s for 300 Burns Bay Rd will have a significantly negative impact on the exisiting dwellings in the vicinity in terms of the amount of sunlight, views, parking and traffic.

The existing buildings to the north of the proposal will lose 100% of their views. At 15 storeys vs 7 storeys, the proposed building will be more than twice the height and will be situated higher on the hill than 300A Burns Bay Rd, 20m to the south. I understand others are submitting professional analyses for shadows and loss of sunlight so there is no need to repeat the trigonometry for shadow here. In terms of parking and traffic, the assumption of just one car per residential unit is simply unrealistic. It flies in the face of 2021 ABS numbers which show the average number of cars per household in Australia to be 1.8. (Link below)

It is a laudable objective to build affordable housing for those who provide essential services to the community but are unable to afford to live within the same community. However, the State and Federal Labor Governments are naive to invoke emergency legislation that will effectively allow property developers to realise their required margins at the expense of the communities where such developments might take place. It is simply unfair to allow developers to take advantage of and walk all over existing residents whose buildings had to comply to legislation and standards.

With respect to the proposal at 300 Burns Bay Rd just 34 out of 225 residential units (15%) will come under the “affordable housing” plan. As low as this ratio seems, this is actually the high side of the range of 10-15% deemed acceptable by the NSW Labor Government.

Assuming the most optimistic scenario under the guidelines and all proposals meet the 15% target, the programme for affordable housing is a failure before it even starts. Proposals like the one for 300 Burns Bay Rd will have negligible impact on housing affordability. They will instead achieve excellent returns for the property developers.

So the State Signification Development for affordable housing is already a failure. It is yet another failure on top of other huge failures including the cancelled Beaches Link, and Mt Victoria/Blackheath bypass tunnels at a time when NSW unemployment is at 4.56% and many are undergoing a cost of living crisis. These failures have multi-generational impacts. Cancelling these infrastructure programs don’t grow the state, instead they limit jobs and growth. For affordable housing, there needs to be larger numbers of smaller scale developments spread over wider areas with far higher ratios allocated towards affordable.

If the proposal for 300 Burns Bay Rd proceeds as specified, the Labor Party should be assured that current and future generations of existing residents impacted the development will probably never vote for them ever again. However, I hope that the Labor Government will be wise enough and confident enough to reflect on the negative impact of its housing and other infrastructure policies and change course.

1. Link to ABS Data https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/tourism-and-transport/transport-census/latest-release#:~:text=Key statistics,2016 to 170,326 in 2021.