There are so many objections to this project.
There is a failure to comply with the zoning controls .The zoning for that area is intended to be for small scale developments. This development is not within the LMR designated area . This is Castlecrag not Northbridge. The additional traffic and parking will create a huge impact to the already problematic cross roads and parking in the street.
This terrible designed development is far beyond local and regional benchmarks. Castlecrag is explicitly non-growth and heritage sensitive. People of Castlecrag are proud to be in this area which is internationally recognised as a unique area influenced and designed by Griffin. It does not represent the Griffin planning philosophy.
There would be an enormous tree loss and environmental impact and it is certainly in conflict with the Griffin landscape principle.
A vast number of measurements are overlooked so it would meet with the imposed required measurements and comply, (incorrect setback measurements, failure to adjust setback to the new height, impact to the neighbours, misusing of calculations for open space , using the existing vegetation well knowing there will be significantly less, to name a few). Could you call it fraud? There are rules and regulations that should apply to everyone.

This project will diminish the aesthetic of the surrounding bush landscape. I see no reason, except greed, to make such a large building. It offers minimal affordable housing and will be an eyesore for future generations, in a place which should be preserved as it was originally intented.

I object to the proposed development at 100 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag.

My concerns are as follows:

1. Excessive height and scale
The proposed height and bulk are excessive and inconsistent with the established low-scale residential character of Castlecrag. The development would visually dominate the surrounding area and significantly alter the existing streetscape.

2. Heritage and character impacts
Castlecrag is a heritage-sensitive suburb with a distinctive garden suburb character and strong connection to the natural landscape. The proposal is not in keeping with the architectural character, landscape setting or village atmosphere of the area.

3. Traffic and road congestion
Traffic congestion on Edinburgh Road is already problematic, particularly during peak hours. Vehicle access and exit movements are difficult and often congested. A development of this scale would place additional strain on an already constrained road network and worsen traffic and safety issues.

4. Inadequate transport infrastructure
This site is not located within a major transport hub or near heavy rail infrastructure that would justify development of this density and height. The surrounding transport infrastructure is not adequate to support a project of this scale.

5. Overdevelopment of the site
The proposal represents overdevelopment of a sensitive site and is inconsistent with the scale and character of the surrounding suburb. The density proposed is excessive for this location.

6. Impact on local amenity and community character
The development risks undermining the intimate village atmosphere and community-focused character of the Castlecrag shopping precinct. It would significantly change the feel and identity of the local area.

7. Additional concerns
I am also concerned about:
- Increased parking pressure on surrounding streets
- Overshadowing and privacy impacts
- Loss of landscape character and tree canopy
- Increased pressure on local infrastructure and drainage
- The precedent this proposal may create for future high-rise development in Castlecrag

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

A well-designed redevelopment has the potential to significantly strengthen the visual and functional character of the locality by replacing ageing or underutilised structures with contemporary, well-articulated buildings that are appropriately scaled to their context. Such development can improve the overall streetscape through higher-quality architectural design, more active frontages, and improved integration with surrounding built form.
In addition, increased activity and overlooking of the public realm can enhance safety through passive surveillance, reducing opportunities for antisocial behaviour and contributing to a greater sense of security for pedestrians and residents. Collectively, these improvements support a more attractive, cohesive, and liveable neighbourhood, enhancing both day-to-day amenity and long-term community value.

Submission: Objection to Proposed Development at 100 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag

I wish to register my objection to the proposed development at 100 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag.

1. The proposed scale is inappropriate

A 14-storey building is completely unsuitable for this location. It is out of step with Castlecrag’s established low-rise character and would risk setting an unacceptable precedent for further overdevelopment in the area.

2. It would damage Castlecrag’s character and heritage

Castlecrag’s identity is closely linked to the planning principles of Walter Burley Griffin, including modest building forms, protection of views, and sensitivity to the natural landscape. This proposal does not respect those principles and would permanently alter the character of the suburb.

3. Traffic impacts have not been properly addressed

The developer’s own material appears to acknowledge that the key intersection serving the site is already operating at capacity. Despite this, there does not appear to be a credible plan to manage the additional congestion that a development of this size would create.

4. Public transport cannot support the proposal

Existing bus services are limited and already under pressure. Because Castlecrag routes are shared with surrounding areas such as Cammeray, buses are often full before reaching local stops. The current transport network is not capable of supporting the increase in density proposed.

5. A reduced proposal would be more appropriate

I strongly oppose the proposal in its current form. A much smaller development, in the range of approximately three to five storeys, would be far more consistent with the character of Castlecrag and the capacity of local infrastructure.

For these reasons, the proposal should not be approved in its current form.

Please find letter from Paro Consulting town planner attached.

The proposed development at 100 Edinburgh represents a high-quality infill project designed to contribute positively to the urban fabric of Edinburgh. The scheme has been prepared with a focus on contemporary design, sustainable construction practices, and improved local amenity.

The proposal aligns with key planning objectives by:
Supporting urban consolidation within an established area
Making efficient use of underutilised or transitional land
Contributing to housing supply and diversity
Reinforcing walkable, transit-accessible neighbourhood structure

Overall, the 100 Edinburgh Development is considered a well-considered urban proposal that supports sustainable growth, enhances local character, and delivers meaningful community and housing benefits while respecting the surrounding context.

The proposed development in Castlecrag is out of proportion and scale to the buildings around it. It is a suburb that has heritage significance, being designed by Walter Burley Griffin (WBG) who also designed our nation's capital - all the planning laws and guidelines for the area have always respected WBG's legacy and this development does not take into account the planning guidelines or WBG's ideals.
In addition to the above, as a resident of Castlecrag for 20 years and brought up my family in the suburb, I make the following objections:
- Height and scale of the Project with little consideration for aesethics - to this date there have been no buildings approved anywhere close to the height. If this project is approved along with other huge projects that are being approved as SSD, I foresee that in 20 years time the people of Sydney will query how the government and people of the day allowed such projects to happen.
- Traffic issues - there is one way in and out of Castlecrag and the number of apartments in this project is going to create traffic issues and congestions along Edinburgh Road, with the driveway to the project being on Edinburgh Road.
- Affordable housing - I don't foresee this will provide "affordable" housing in area such as Castlecrag, and I find this aspect of the developer's submission misleading. I also don't understand how the developer could call this a SSD based on its location from transport hubs.
- A low rise development was already approved - why can't this be the approved project?
- Lack of infrastructure in area - with the number of apartments in this building there is inadequate infrastructure to support it. The roads are already congested and public facilities are lacking in the area (e.g. bus transport).
- Proposed cost of apartments in project - I query if this type of project will assist the housing shortage when they are proposed to not be below $1m.

If there is an already - low level project approved. Why should the developer have the right to make such significant changes and disregarded the community's input? I note that I went to a consultation session and the developer did not take note of any suggestions made.
The community want there be apartments and a shopping precinct, but not to the size and scale proposed that disregards all past planning guidelines and the heritage importance of the area. If this is allowed, our future generations will not thank us for seeing such projects suceed.