Plans for a six level house in Northwood remain in limbo as a panel undecided

A $5 million house redevelopment in Northwood next door to a house firebombed by arsonists remains up in the air while a planning panel decides its future.

Neighbours opposing a six level ‘monstrosity’ being built in prestigious Northwood claim they have been expected to “suck it in” and allow the controversial building to go ahead.

An independent panel considering the proposal at 60 Cliff Rd visited the site on Tuesday after Lane Cove Council recommended a revised development application be approved.

Fund manager Ouyang Chen and his wife Xiao Hong Le want to build a $5 million nine bedroom house with outdoor entertainment areas for their “extended family”, but neighbours say the house will impact their views and property values.

“There is an expectation that our clients should just suck it in,” architect Nigel Parsons said, on behalf of two neighbours opposing the development.

Mr Chen first lodged plans with council more than a year ago, but it was knocked back due to the “unacceptable impacts” it would have on a heritage listed house at 62 Cliff Rd, also owned by him.

Members of an independent panel talking to neighbours. The panel will decide the outcome of a DA for 60 Cliff Rd in Northwood. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Tragically, that sandstone mansion was firebombed by arsonists three weeks ago, and is set to be demolished.

Council said it considered the application as if the heritage home was still there, and that the proposal was submitted well before the fire next door.

There is no suggestion Mr Chen or anyone connected to him was involved in the fire.

Fund manager Ouyang Chen, who owns both Northwood properties. Picture: John Grainger

The panel also heard from a resident on the opposite side of the road who raised concerns about the height of the house “blocking our views”.

Other residents in the street told The Daily Telegraph they didn’t support the “monstrosity” being built, but it was ultimately up to the panel to decide the outcome.

The panel reserved its decision at the meeting and will notify residents “in the coming days”.

Mr Chen has not revealed what he plans to do with the site where the fire happened on September 3. It is understood he does not have to rebuild a house sympathetic to the one which was destroyed.

Council said “the property owners can rebuild in line with the planning controls (R2 low residential),” a spokesperson said.