Hi,

Even though Council has asked a Heritage Consultant to look at the site, the Development Application is still moving on. The chance to give your opinion closes this Friday 17.10.25.

We are also aware Councillor Holding gave a speech pointing out that due to the fact Council didn't get a rate rise, he thought unlikely they could support Heritage Listing. So it is coming down to money and this site may still go even with a positive Heritage Report.

We would never encourage someone to give their opinion, but some have already asked how. If you would like to put an opinion in, either for the eight story building or against the eight storeys, here is how.

The DA is DA310/2025 and the Council Officer looking after it is Andrew Beveridge. Councils email is council@northsydney.nsw.gov.au

You could just send a few lines, for or against, quoting the DA and giving your name and address.

If you are inspired you could put a full DA objection, by going here NSC and putting the DA number in, either to look at the DA or object There is a submission section on the DA page.

I am not sure what to put in if you like the eight storey building, but I can let you know some of the common objections to this DA:

Height and bulk
The proposed 27 m height exceeds both the 12 m Local Environmental Policy (LEP) control and the mid-rise scale envisaged under the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (LMR). Providing 3 affordable housing apartments in this development should not give automatic approval to the additional height of 2 storeys.

Heritage and Character
The scheme fails to respond to the Federation-era cottages and narrow-lane fabric of Neutral Bay. Its bulk and materials disregard the village atmosphere acknowledged in the Neutral Bay Village Planning Study (2024).

Overshadowing, loss of solar access & loss of privacy
Modelling shows a complete loss of northern sunlight to nearby dwellings, including 20-24 Yeo Street, compromising living areas, garden and balcony amenity.

Driveway access and garbage bin storage
Plans show driveway & garbage bin storage off Olive Lane. Waste Collection and servicing is currently undertaken from Cheal Lane and Bydown Street. Olive Lane, which has vehicle parking along the southern side, is too narrow to accommodate waste collection trucks. 

Traffic

Olive Lane is 3 metres wide at the start, 4.7 metres at it's widest. This development would require the gifting of the  four car spots on Olive Lane to the developer as otherwise cars couldn't get out. Even with that happening the streets are too small in this area for the proposed volume.

You also probably have your own thoughts. If a number of people chose to object a substantial amount of objections will slow the DA process down, potentially allowing more time for this to be assessed as a Heritage Item. Objections close Friday!

Thanks for everyone's help so far.

Glen