DEAN Moore
Object
DEAN Moore
Object
INGLESIDE
,
New South Wales
Message
I have lived in the Northern Beaches area for over 25 years and strongly oppose the proposed project. It is an undeniable overdevelopment with an arrogant disregard for the community and a disdain for the generations before us who recognised a very special environment and worked together and through local council to protect and preserve it. I submit the following comments:
• The proposed development does not comply with Northern Beaches Council regulations and must be required to do so.
• The height and immense size of a six-storey building significantly exceeds council regulations and is completely out of scale and character with Narrabeen’s low rise coastal look, feel and charm. It is monstrous.
• The design completely ignores design principles for independent living medium density to provide two or three storey housing clusters where the scale and massing is articulated and separated to respect the character and pattern of the suburban surroundings.
• The design has no regard for surrounding dwellings and architecture and seems driven by the goal of maximising financial return for a private developer.
• It is a private residential facility providing premium lifestyle for the wealthy and does not provide affordable housing for our aging population. It is in effect a high-end residential apartment complex hiding behind aged care facilities for a small number of residents.
• The proposed removal of 24 high category trees and a further 45 low category trees is obscene. It destroys habitat for birdlife and wildlife and impacts visual screening. When we should be doing everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint the loss of so many mature trees is unconscionable. The typical solution offered by property developers to plant replacement trees is embarrassingly inadequate. Existing mature trees must be protected.
• It will be a visual intrusion for neighbouring properties and the wider local community. In short it will be an eyesore, obstruct views, impact sunlight and cast shadows. The setback of the building from the boundary is inadequate.
• There are no proposed benefits to the local community. None.
• The increase in vehicles entering and exiting the facility daily will further strain already congested streets. It is dangerous.
• Excavation for a three level basement carpark risks disrupting the fragile nature of the Peninsula’s sandy soil and water table.
• Other than token landscaping, the design does not incorporate the Indigenous heritage of the area and the extensive excavation risks disturbing remains and artefacts of our First Nations peoples.
• The development falls well short of meeting community environmental and sustainability expectations. It should satisfy the requirements of a 5-star Australian Excellence Green Building Council Australia rating.
• The proposed development does not comply with Northern Beaches Council regulations and must be required to do so.
• The height and immense size of a six-storey building significantly exceeds council regulations and is completely out of scale and character with Narrabeen’s low rise coastal look, feel and charm. It is monstrous.
• The design completely ignores design principles for independent living medium density to provide two or three storey housing clusters where the scale and massing is articulated and separated to respect the character and pattern of the suburban surroundings.
• The design has no regard for surrounding dwellings and architecture and seems driven by the goal of maximising financial return for a private developer.
• It is a private residential facility providing premium lifestyle for the wealthy and does not provide affordable housing for our aging population. It is in effect a high-end residential apartment complex hiding behind aged care facilities for a small number of residents.
• The proposed removal of 24 high category trees and a further 45 low category trees is obscene. It destroys habitat for birdlife and wildlife and impacts visual screening. When we should be doing everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint the loss of so many mature trees is unconscionable. The typical solution offered by property developers to plant replacement trees is embarrassingly inadequate. Existing mature trees must be protected.
• It will be a visual intrusion for neighbouring properties and the wider local community. In short it will be an eyesore, obstruct views, impact sunlight and cast shadows. The setback of the building from the boundary is inadequate.
• There are no proposed benefits to the local community. None.
• The increase in vehicles entering and exiting the facility daily will further strain already congested streets. It is dangerous.
• Excavation for a three level basement carpark risks disrupting the fragile nature of the Peninsula’s sandy soil and water table.
• Other than token landscaping, the design does not incorporate the Indigenous heritage of the area and the extensive excavation risks disturbing remains and artefacts of our First Nations peoples.
• The development falls well short of meeting community environmental and sustainability expectations. It should satisfy the requirements of a 5-star Australian Excellence Green Building Council Australia rating.
Michelle Renie
Object
Michelle Renie
Object
Narrabeen
,
New South Wales
Message
6 stories high is not in keeping with the feel or look of the area. Narrabeen is low rise buildings. Paved way for further high rise buildings which are unwanted in this quiet peaceful suburb. Ocean st a very busy road as is. Would mean more cars more traffic and the roads are in a terrible state as is.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NARRABEEN
,
New South Wales
Message
Summary of submissions
1. The development application should be refused on the grounds of breach of clause 4.3 of Warringah LEP 2011 (WLEP) and s87 State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP) and / or adverse visual impact.
2. The community consultation period should be extended.
Breach of clause 4.3 WLEP and s87 Housing SEPP
3. As acknowledged within the development application, the proposed development has a height of 21.1m. Clause 4.3 WLEP only permits building heights of 8.5m and s87 Housing SEPP only permits an additional 3.8m; a total of 12.3m. The proposed development is 8.8m above the maximum permitted development height (and over twice as tall as buildings normally permitted under clause 4.3 WLEP).
4. Clause 4.3 WLEP states its objectives are:
(a) to ensure that buildings are compatible with the height and scale of surrounding and nearby development,
(b) to minimise visual impact, disruption of views, loss of privacy and loss of solar access,
(c) to minimise any adverse impact of development on the scenic quality of Warringah’s coastal and bush environments,
(d) to manage the visual impact of development when viewed from public places such as parks and reserves, roads and community facilities.
5. The applicant has applied to vary the height conditions under clause 4.6 WLEP on the grounds that:
(a) compliance with the development standard is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances, and
(b) there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify the contravention of the development standard.
6. In its clause 4.6 variation request (at A12), the applicant purports to rely upon the third test set out in Wehbe v Pittwater Council (2007) 156 LGERA 446, that “The underlying objective or purpose would be defeated or thwarted if compliance was required and therefore compliance is unreasonable”. The applicant asserts at 6.2 of A12 that, “The elements that sit above the height control, including 28 seniors living units, and primary amenity elements such as the rooftop communal space are essential for the successful delivery of the overall project. Without these elements, the development would not be delivered, which would thwart the underlying objective and purpose of delivering additional and diverse housing in the current housing ‘crisis’ of NSW.”
7. The applicant then goes on to set out the need for additional seniors housing and to compare the proposal with a theoretical “comparison scheme”.
8. It is submitted that the applicant has not demonstrated that the underlying objective or purposes would be defeated or thwarted if compliance was required. The development could be designed to have fewer independent living units whilst still providing the necessary amenity elements and without breaching the height control. A revised development would still contribute to the provision of a significant number of additional senior independent living units. The applicant has not provided any evidence that a development with fewer independent living units could not be delivered (although the applicant’s profits may be impacted.)
9. The development only proposes to contribute 10 residential care beds, bringing it within the definition of a state significant development without contributing significantly to the need in this area.
10. It is submitted that the applicant has not demonstrated that there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the development standard.
11. In particular, it is submitted that the significant adverse visual impact of the proposed development (see further below) clearly contravenes the stated objectives of clause 4.3 WLEP. Compliance with that development standard is not unreasonable or unnecessary. The clause 4.6 variation request should be refused.
Adverse visual impact
12. The height and scale of the proposed development is out of character for this residential area, which is zoned R2 (including within the areas opposite the proposed development on the West side of Lagoon Street and East side of Ocean Street) or R3.
13. In relation to the visual impact from Lagoon Street, it should be noted that the topography to the West of Lagoon Street slopes steeply down from street level towards the lagoon. The topographic map at 4.7 of A35 is misleading, because the colouring of the different elevation levels is not clearly differentiated. The houses on the West side of Lagoon Street opposite the proposed development are generally built at 4 – 8m, whereas the development is at 9 – 10m. This has the result that the top storey of the 2 storey houses on the West side of Lagoon Street are at around the same height as a 1 storey house on the East side of Lagoon Street. This exacerbates the visual impact of the proposed development from Lagoon Street.
14. In relation to the few and scattered existing 3 and 4 storey buildings in the vicinity (see 4.6 of A35), it should be noted that it is the short end of the buildings that are adjacent to the streets, lessening the visual impact from the street. In any event, the existence of a small number of poorly designed, older, non-height standard compliant buildings, should not be used to justify continued poor development.
15. It is submitted that the conclusions within the visual impact assessment report (A37) in relation to the visual sensitivity, magnitude of change and overall visual impact rating from different viewpoints should not be accepted. The visual sensitivity of local streetscapes has been dismissed as “negligible”; however, the current, leafy streetscapes with glimpses to the lagoon and ocean are highly valued by both local residents and visitors, who walk or cycle along the surrounding streets to use the beach or lagoon. Even clearly very sensitive areas such as the popular Narrabeen Headland Walkway with its expansive views (View 8) have been inappropriately classified as of only “moderate” sensitivity. Further, the ratings in relation to magnitude of change and overall visual impact are not supported by the diagrams of the indicative extent of the proposed development and the photomontages; it is evident from those diagrams and photomontages that there will be a very significant visual impact on the surrounding streetscape and a significant impact from more distant viewpoints. Further, it should be noted that the photomontages insert images of the proposed development in pale grey within wide angle photographs with grey skies. The visual impact of the actual building against a blue sky would be significantly greater.
16. The visual impact of the proposed development is exacerbated by the closeness of the proposed 5 – 6 storeys to the site’s boundaries and its unbroken form. Further, only the Ocean Street side has any significant landscaping on the perimeter of the site. The internal landscaping will not be visible from the street. This differs from the existing buildings on the site, where only the ends of the buildings are visible from Lagoon Street and Octavia Street with landscaped areas in between.
17. It should also be noted that the visual impact on certain individual properties, including 156 – 164 Ocean St (see A36) and the bungalow at 71 Lagoon Street, would be extreme.
18. It is submitted that overall the proposed development would have a significant adverse visual impact and the development application should not be approved in current form.
Community consultation
19. The community consultation period following publication of the development application of only 14 days is inadequate. Some community members have busy lives and will be unable to complete a submission within that time period. Others will not yet have heard about the development proposal. The 14 day period is insufficient to allow the community to spread awareness and encourage further submissions.
1. The development application should be refused on the grounds of breach of clause 4.3 of Warringah LEP 2011 (WLEP) and s87 State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP) and / or adverse visual impact.
2. The community consultation period should be extended.
Breach of clause 4.3 WLEP and s87 Housing SEPP
3. As acknowledged within the development application, the proposed development has a height of 21.1m. Clause 4.3 WLEP only permits building heights of 8.5m and s87 Housing SEPP only permits an additional 3.8m; a total of 12.3m. The proposed development is 8.8m above the maximum permitted development height (and over twice as tall as buildings normally permitted under clause 4.3 WLEP).
4. Clause 4.3 WLEP states its objectives are:
(a) to ensure that buildings are compatible with the height and scale of surrounding and nearby development,
(b) to minimise visual impact, disruption of views, loss of privacy and loss of solar access,
(c) to minimise any adverse impact of development on the scenic quality of Warringah’s coastal and bush environments,
(d) to manage the visual impact of development when viewed from public places such as parks and reserves, roads and community facilities.
5. The applicant has applied to vary the height conditions under clause 4.6 WLEP on the grounds that:
(a) compliance with the development standard is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances, and
(b) there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify the contravention of the development standard.
6. In its clause 4.6 variation request (at A12), the applicant purports to rely upon the third test set out in Wehbe v Pittwater Council (2007) 156 LGERA 446, that “The underlying objective or purpose would be defeated or thwarted if compliance was required and therefore compliance is unreasonable”. The applicant asserts at 6.2 of A12 that, “The elements that sit above the height control, including 28 seniors living units, and primary amenity elements such as the rooftop communal space are essential for the successful delivery of the overall project. Without these elements, the development would not be delivered, which would thwart the underlying objective and purpose of delivering additional and diverse housing in the current housing ‘crisis’ of NSW.”
7. The applicant then goes on to set out the need for additional seniors housing and to compare the proposal with a theoretical “comparison scheme”.
8. It is submitted that the applicant has not demonstrated that the underlying objective or purposes would be defeated or thwarted if compliance was required. The development could be designed to have fewer independent living units whilst still providing the necessary amenity elements and without breaching the height control. A revised development would still contribute to the provision of a significant number of additional senior independent living units. The applicant has not provided any evidence that a development with fewer independent living units could not be delivered (although the applicant’s profits may be impacted.)
9. The development only proposes to contribute 10 residential care beds, bringing it within the definition of a state significant development without contributing significantly to the need in this area.
10. It is submitted that the applicant has not demonstrated that there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the development standard.
11. In particular, it is submitted that the significant adverse visual impact of the proposed development (see further below) clearly contravenes the stated objectives of clause 4.3 WLEP. Compliance with that development standard is not unreasonable or unnecessary. The clause 4.6 variation request should be refused.
Adverse visual impact
12. The height and scale of the proposed development is out of character for this residential area, which is zoned R2 (including within the areas opposite the proposed development on the West side of Lagoon Street and East side of Ocean Street) or R3.
13. In relation to the visual impact from Lagoon Street, it should be noted that the topography to the West of Lagoon Street slopes steeply down from street level towards the lagoon. The topographic map at 4.7 of A35 is misleading, because the colouring of the different elevation levels is not clearly differentiated. The houses on the West side of Lagoon Street opposite the proposed development are generally built at 4 – 8m, whereas the development is at 9 – 10m. This has the result that the top storey of the 2 storey houses on the West side of Lagoon Street are at around the same height as a 1 storey house on the East side of Lagoon Street. This exacerbates the visual impact of the proposed development from Lagoon Street.
14. In relation to the few and scattered existing 3 and 4 storey buildings in the vicinity (see 4.6 of A35), it should be noted that it is the short end of the buildings that are adjacent to the streets, lessening the visual impact from the street. In any event, the existence of a small number of poorly designed, older, non-height standard compliant buildings, should not be used to justify continued poor development.
15. It is submitted that the conclusions within the visual impact assessment report (A37) in relation to the visual sensitivity, magnitude of change and overall visual impact rating from different viewpoints should not be accepted. The visual sensitivity of local streetscapes has been dismissed as “negligible”; however, the current, leafy streetscapes with glimpses to the lagoon and ocean are highly valued by both local residents and visitors, who walk or cycle along the surrounding streets to use the beach or lagoon. Even clearly very sensitive areas such as the popular Narrabeen Headland Walkway with its expansive views (View 8) have been inappropriately classified as of only “moderate” sensitivity. Further, the ratings in relation to magnitude of change and overall visual impact are not supported by the diagrams of the indicative extent of the proposed development and the photomontages; it is evident from those diagrams and photomontages that there will be a very significant visual impact on the surrounding streetscape and a significant impact from more distant viewpoints. Further, it should be noted that the photomontages insert images of the proposed development in pale grey within wide angle photographs with grey skies. The visual impact of the actual building against a blue sky would be significantly greater.
16. The visual impact of the proposed development is exacerbated by the closeness of the proposed 5 – 6 storeys to the site’s boundaries and its unbroken form. Further, only the Ocean Street side has any significant landscaping on the perimeter of the site. The internal landscaping will not be visible from the street. This differs from the existing buildings on the site, where only the ends of the buildings are visible from Lagoon Street and Octavia Street with landscaped areas in between.
17. It should also be noted that the visual impact on certain individual properties, including 156 – 164 Ocean St (see A36) and the bungalow at 71 Lagoon Street, would be extreme.
18. It is submitted that overall the proposed development would have a significant adverse visual impact and the development application should not be approved in current form.
Community consultation
19. The community consultation period following publication of the development application of only 14 days is inadequate. Some community members have busy lives and will be unable to complete a submission within that time period. Others will not yet have heard about the development proposal. The 14 day period is insufficient to allow the community to spread awareness and encourage further submissions.
Rachael Dodwell
Object
Rachael Dodwell
Object
NARRABEEN
,
New South Wales
Message
I object to this project due to the size and the amount of levels of this project. Building should be rebuilt at the same size it is currently
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NARRABEEN
,
New South Wales
Message
Considering the location, and the environmental frugility of the local area, this is an overdevelopment. Due to the size of seven storeys high, it does not remain within the Lagoon and Oceans street natural environment controls of Narrabeen lakes area
sandro D'amore
Comment
sandro D'amore
Comment
NARRABEEN
,
New South Wales
Message
I am extremely concerned with this proposal,
1} as it does not aid the current lack of parking but can only worsen the situation. {only 7 guests parking for over an extra 100 units in the area
}
2} constructing a multi-level underground carpark, so close to the border of adjoining properties will cause damage. My family home is located on the border to this project and will subject to movement and vibration.
3} what is the government or local council doing to protect my and adjoining properties from damage, and if and when damage, how do we get our houses repaired. bla bla
1} as it does not aid the current lack of parking but can only worsen the situation. {only 7 guests parking for over an extra 100 units in the area
}
2} constructing a multi-level underground carpark, so close to the border of adjoining properties will cause damage. My family home is located on the border to this project and will subject to movement and vibration.
3} what is the government or local council doing to protect my and adjoining properties from damage, and if and when damage, how do we get our houses repaired. bla bla
Attachments
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NARRABEEN
,
New South Wales
Message
No infrastructure to support overdevelopment
Jean McKern
Object
Jean McKern
Object
MOSS VALE
,
New South Wales
Message
I oppose the development for reasons as follows:
There is no VIA for Loftus Street which abounds the development. My daughter Susan Ansell lives at 11 Loftus Street, directly opposite. The building which is stated to be 5 storeys is contrary to the 3 storey height permitted in the Narrabeen peninsula. She and other residents of Loftus Street and surrounding streets will be overshadowed by the height of the building, completely destroying the outlook and obscuring the winter sunlight.
Should the development be allowed to go ahead a precedence will be created and Narrabeen Peninsula will be well on its way to becoming another Gold Coast monstrosity of medium to high rise buildings. According to the VIA the building will be seen from far afield. There are no trees or shrubs which will camouflage its solid outline sufficiently. A roof top garden may please the in house residents but do nothing to soften the eyesore.
Having lived in Narrabeen in the past and visit my daughter frequently at her home in Loftus Street I implore you to leave the Narrabeen Peninsula as it is so that it will continue to attract families to live and enjoy its current facilities.
There is no VIA for Loftus Street which abounds the development. My daughter Susan Ansell lives at 11 Loftus Street, directly opposite. The building which is stated to be 5 storeys is contrary to the 3 storey height permitted in the Narrabeen peninsula. She and other residents of Loftus Street and surrounding streets will be overshadowed by the height of the building, completely destroying the outlook and obscuring the winter sunlight.
Should the development be allowed to go ahead a precedence will be created and Narrabeen Peninsula will be well on its way to becoming another Gold Coast monstrosity of medium to high rise buildings. According to the VIA the building will be seen from far afield. There are no trees or shrubs which will camouflage its solid outline sufficiently. A roof top garden may please the in house residents but do nothing to soften the eyesore.
Having lived in Narrabeen in the past and visit my daughter frequently at her home in Loftus Street I implore you to leave the Narrabeen Peninsula as it is so that it will continue to attract families to live and enjoy its current facilities.
Trevor Murdoch
Object
Trevor Murdoch
Object
Narrabeen, Sydne
,
New South Wales
Message
The proposed development at 156-164 Ocean Street, Narrabeen, NSW, need to address the following item:
1. Bulk, Scale & Height- The development stated in the exhibition letter will be 5-6 stories above existing ground level (EGL). On review of the proposed plans on the NSW Planning Portal Project No:3374DA:000.01-DA197.01 dated 28-07-2025 inconsistencies are evident as the elevations show 5 stories & 4 stories with roof terraces along Octavia Street, 5 stories fronting the 2 story residential dwellings along Loftus Street, 5 stories along Lagoon Street and 5 Stories along Ocean Street. Along with the stated 3 stories of basement parking the development would comprise 7-9 stories overall. The highest point of the proposal is RL 29,900HD above existing ground level (EGL) along Ocean Street being RL 9-10 AHD & Lagoon Street EGL RL 8-9. The proposals height ranges from 16-20m above Street Level & is 5700mm above the roof of the slanted perspective confuses the extent on the encroachments. highest existing unit block's roof which is proposed as additional stories. In addition, Sheet DA192.01 shows encroachments over the 12.3m height planes with the proposal aiming to "Piggyback" additional habitable & common areas with the lift overruns by adding additional stories creating an excessive development for the area.
The development proposes an additional 2-3 stories above the highest surrounding unit blocks as shown in Drawing No. DA120.00Rev. DA01. Although there are portions stepped back from the outermost exterior walls/balconies, the bulk & scale cannot be considered appropriate as it dwarfs all surrounding development creating unobstructed view lines over all dwellings & unit buildings proposing a dangerous precedent for future developments if allowed to proceed (Refer to Lighthouse Meriton complex in Dee Why for an Example) The existing development is currently 2 stories.
2. Built form- the proposed built form, although maintains a seniors housing complex, far exceeds any existing built form for the Narrabeen Peninsula area dwarfing the adjacent residential dwellings. The proposed development promotes an inconsistent pattern of development for Narrabeen.
3. Excavation-excessive excavation is proposed in the Class 4 Acis Sulphate area as excavation exceeds 2m below EGL. The basement parking od 3 levels risks adversely impacting on the existing water table & adjacent residential dwellings due to the excessive built form and sandy soil base.
4. Setbacks- As the proposal locates the prosed buildings to the boundaries there are multiple setback encroachments as shown on sheet DA 110.07. Encroachments shown to setbacks along Lagoon Street, Octavia Street & Ocean Street with both habitable area (Coner of Ocean & Octavia Streets) & balcony areas encroaching with the Lagoon Street balcony encroachments locate balconies almost to the boundary line. These setback encroachments will create an adverse vertical barrier for access to sunlight, Airflow & Reasonable amenity for surrounding dwellings.
5. Privacy and Overlooking- the excessive nature of the development reduces, or eliminates, privacy for all surrounding developments north, east, south & west of the proposal. As balconies are located close to boundaries, along with the excessive height, overlooking towards surrounding properties will be a major issue especially to the north. north-west, west & south. As the proposal provides major height differences to surrounding properties, appropriate privacy & overlooking cannot be achieved or guaranteed in its current form.
6. Parking and Vehicular Circulation-Parking on the Narrabeen Peninsula is currently lacking due to the developments proposed & constructed over the past 15-20years. There have been no upgrades to the existing roads to accommodate the additional traffic or parking needed apart from a few roundabouts. These serve no purpose in addressing parking shortages. The proposed development has excessively low parking for staff & visitors & in no way does the provision allow for the development to enable the day-to-day needs of the facility staff & residents. This proposal pushes staff & additional visitors to park on the surrounding streets that are already choaked with traffic seeking parking for the day. Often visitors to existing residential properties need to park 100s of meters away from the house or unit they are visiting. Sheet DA110.02 shows only 4 visitor spaces & an additional accessible visitor space & 3 staff parking spaces (1 being accessible) to service 149 apartments with no additional visitor & staff parking evident on other levels. As there is little existing street parking for this size of development, this proposal fall well short of integrating a development into the community appropriately & vastly erodes the surrounding residents' amenity moving forward creating a negative consequence of significance to Narrabeen.
In addition, the entire 3 levels of parking spill out onto Lagoon Street. This also includes both ambulances & delivery trucks with parking & turning bays at the bottom of the access ramp. This size of development should have access to onto Ocean Street being the primary road & Main arterial road for the peninsula which is so important for seniors housing. In addition the B85 turning circles are incorrect with the swept paths on the corners too tight with little room to maneuver, keeping in mind that this is a seniors development, appropriate access & circulation would require an acceptable outcome to be considered.
Conclusion.
The size of this proposal indicates a lack of community consultation or recognising the surrounding existing pattern of development. A development of this magnitude proposes a dangerous benchmark in excessive development for the Narrabeen area. With Dee Why Town Centre & Manly being clear examples of over development with no regard for the surrounding area. Allowing Narrabeen to go down that path should never be on the table & this development is an indicator of what developers aim to do in the area. It should be noted that Narrabeen does not fall within the Low & mid-Ries Planning area on the NSW Planning portal, as Narrabeen is not an LMR Station or Centre. Mona Vale, Dee Why Town Centre, Warringah Mall, Balgowlah & Manly are so avoiding developments of this size should be of high importance. This development, in its current form, goes against acceptable planning principals along with community expectations and as a result should be rejected.
1. Bulk, Scale & Height- The development stated in the exhibition letter will be 5-6 stories above existing ground level (EGL). On review of the proposed plans on the NSW Planning Portal Project No:3374DA:000.01-DA197.01 dated 28-07-2025 inconsistencies are evident as the elevations show 5 stories & 4 stories with roof terraces along Octavia Street, 5 stories fronting the 2 story residential dwellings along Loftus Street, 5 stories along Lagoon Street and 5 Stories along Ocean Street. Along with the stated 3 stories of basement parking the development would comprise 7-9 stories overall. The highest point of the proposal is RL 29,900HD above existing ground level (EGL) along Ocean Street being RL 9-10 AHD & Lagoon Street EGL RL 8-9. The proposals height ranges from 16-20m above Street Level & is 5700mm above the roof of the slanted perspective confuses the extent on the encroachments. highest existing unit block's roof which is proposed as additional stories. In addition, Sheet DA192.01 shows encroachments over the 12.3m height planes with the proposal aiming to "Piggyback" additional habitable & common areas with the lift overruns by adding additional stories creating an excessive development for the area.
The development proposes an additional 2-3 stories above the highest surrounding unit blocks as shown in Drawing No. DA120.00Rev. DA01. Although there are portions stepped back from the outermost exterior walls/balconies, the bulk & scale cannot be considered appropriate as it dwarfs all surrounding development creating unobstructed view lines over all dwellings & unit buildings proposing a dangerous precedent for future developments if allowed to proceed (Refer to Lighthouse Meriton complex in Dee Why for an Example) The existing development is currently 2 stories.
2. Built form- the proposed built form, although maintains a seniors housing complex, far exceeds any existing built form for the Narrabeen Peninsula area dwarfing the adjacent residential dwellings. The proposed development promotes an inconsistent pattern of development for Narrabeen.
3. Excavation-excessive excavation is proposed in the Class 4 Acis Sulphate area as excavation exceeds 2m below EGL. The basement parking od 3 levels risks adversely impacting on the existing water table & adjacent residential dwellings due to the excessive built form and sandy soil base.
4. Setbacks- As the proposal locates the prosed buildings to the boundaries there are multiple setback encroachments as shown on sheet DA 110.07. Encroachments shown to setbacks along Lagoon Street, Octavia Street & Ocean Street with both habitable area (Coner of Ocean & Octavia Streets) & balcony areas encroaching with the Lagoon Street balcony encroachments locate balconies almost to the boundary line. These setback encroachments will create an adverse vertical barrier for access to sunlight, Airflow & Reasonable amenity for surrounding dwellings.
5. Privacy and Overlooking- the excessive nature of the development reduces, or eliminates, privacy for all surrounding developments north, east, south & west of the proposal. As balconies are located close to boundaries, along with the excessive height, overlooking towards surrounding properties will be a major issue especially to the north. north-west, west & south. As the proposal provides major height differences to surrounding properties, appropriate privacy & overlooking cannot be achieved or guaranteed in its current form.
6. Parking and Vehicular Circulation-Parking on the Narrabeen Peninsula is currently lacking due to the developments proposed & constructed over the past 15-20years. There have been no upgrades to the existing roads to accommodate the additional traffic or parking needed apart from a few roundabouts. These serve no purpose in addressing parking shortages. The proposed development has excessively low parking for staff & visitors & in no way does the provision allow for the development to enable the day-to-day needs of the facility staff & residents. This proposal pushes staff & additional visitors to park on the surrounding streets that are already choaked with traffic seeking parking for the day. Often visitors to existing residential properties need to park 100s of meters away from the house or unit they are visiting. Sheet DA110.02 shows only 4 visitor spaces & an additional accessible visitor space & 3 staff parking spaces (1 being accessible) to service 149 apartments with no additional visitor & staff parking evident on other levels. As there is little existing street parking for this size of development, this proposal fall well short of integrating a development into the community appropriately & vastly erodes the surrounding residents' amenity moving forward creating a negative consequence of significance to Narrabeen.
In addition, the entire 3 levels of parking spill out onto Lagoon Street. This also includes both ambulances & delivery trucks with parking & turning bays at the bottom of the access ramp. This size of development should have access to onto Ocean Street being the primary road & Main arterial road for the peninsula which is so important for seniors housing. In addition the B85 turning circles are incorrect with the swept paths on the corners too tight with little room to maneuver, keeping in mind that this is a seniors development, appropriate access & circulation would require an acceptable outcome to be considered.
Conclusion.
The size of this proposal indicates a lack of community consultation or recognising the surrounding existing pattern of development. A development of this magnitude proposes a dangerous benchmark in excessive development for the Narrabeen area. With Dee Why Town Centre & Manly being clear examples of over development with no regard for the surrounding area. Allowing Narrabeen to go down that path should never be on the table & this development is an indicator of what developers aim to do in the area. It should be noted that Narrabeen does not fall within the Low & mid-Ries Planning area on the NSW Planning portal, as Narrabeen is not an LMR Station or Centre. Mona Vale, Dee Why Town Centre, Warringah Mall, Balgowlah & Manly are so avoiding developments of this size should be of high importance. This development, in its current form, goes against acceptable planning principals along with community expectations and as a result should be rejected.