Please see attached submission/objection from Potts Point Preservation Group

The proposed development at 160 Oxford Street fails to respond adequately to the objectives and controls set out to protect the important urban fabric within the Paddington Conservation Area, and it is recommended that the scale, massing and height of the proposed development be revised so as to be more appropriate to its context.

The attached document outlines in greater detail the impact of the proposed development on the heritage fabric of neighbouring contributory buildings and the wider urban fabric of the Paddington Conservation Area.

In light of the demonstrated departures from the heritage objectives and controls of the Woollahra LEP 2014 and DCP 2015, it is considered that the proposed development in its current form would result in an unacceptable impact on the character, setting and significance of the Paddington Conservation Area and should be substantially revised to achieve a scale, form and response that it genuinely sympathetic to its heritage context.

See document attached. If any issues please contact me. There should be text and images within. Thank you.

see attached

I am writing to formally object to the planning application for 160 Oxford St, Paddington. As a resident of Moore Park Rd, Paddington, and the general Paddington area, I believe the proposed development is unsuitable for the a number of reasons.

1. Inappropriate Design and Scale
The proposed design and scale of the building is grossly out of character with the existing streetscape. We live in a beautiful heritage area, that has worked within the low-density scape to create a welcoming and charming neighbourhood. Both the height and density exceed the established neighborhood residential character, creating an overbearing presence that dwarfs adjacent properties. The architectural style is opposite of the surrounding residential and commercial buildings, and looks to be oversized for the site size.

2. Loss of Affordable Housing
The demolition of the existing structures will result in a net loss of exisiting affordable housing. Replacing accessible units with luxury/high-density apartments does not meet the community's socio-economic needs and displaces long-term residents. With housing affordability already at a high, we don't need additional 'affordable housing' that is out of reach for the majority of people in need. We need to maintain the existing homes for existing residents, and protect the dwellings for future needs.

3. Strain on Amenities and Infrastructure
It is clear local infrastructure is currently at capacity. With the City of Sydney planning to reduce Oxford St to one lane for cars, traffic and pedestrian movement will be heavily impacted, in the negative. This development provides insufficient working space during construction, and will only negatively influence future movement in the area. Additionally, public transport which is heavily used every day, will be impacted during the extensive construction period.

4. Impact During and After Construction
Given the site's proximity to businesses, homes, heritage properties and narrow streets, the heavy machinery and noise will cause an unreasonable loss of amenity and enjoyment, and increase safety risks for pedestrians. I note the increased traffic volume will lead to congestion and safety issues on Oxford St and surrounding areas as outlined above, while the building’s footprint will cause significant overshadowing and loss of privacy for neighboring gardens. That is just not right.

For all the reasons stated above, I urge the Planning Committee to refuse this application in its current form and request that the developers significantly revise the scale to better align with the current design of the area, and community expectations. We need to provide homes that are comfortable, with natural light and space, and that have appropriate amenities and safe passage to work and leisure. The current proposal does not meet this need.