Lane Cove: Plans change for controversial $83m senior housing development in Longueville Rd
A controversial $83m proposal for senior housing in Lane Cove is back open for public comment after modified plans were lodged. See the new plans here.
North Shore
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Members of the Lane Cove community are voicing their opposition to an $83m development application which seeks to change previously approved plans for a seven-storey senior housing precinct.
The plans for 266 Longueville Rd were initially approved by a North Sydney Planning Panel in September 2021 despite 181 submissions against the senior housing facility in relation to overdevelopment in the area and the size of the proposed works which covers 14,615 sqm of ground floor area.
Developers ‘Pathways’ are seeking approval to modify the plans for a 70-bed residential care facility, 82 independent living units and basement parking for 122 vehicles.
Changes include removing the residential aged care facility component in favour of 92 larger independent living units and an additional level of basement parking for 181 vehicles.
Consent is also sought to change the south boundary setback from 10.7m to 12.7m, 600mm above the maximum height limit.
Several key elements of the approved plans will be maintained, including the offering of affordable housing, provision of activity spaces and outdoor recreation areas, a public park and landscaping plans for a through-site link.
A planner from the project said the modified proposal is “substantially the same” to the approved proposal.
“In our opinion, the proposed modifications are not considered to change the essential features of the approved development,” the planner said.
“The proposed modifications do not materially change any of the essential and material features of the development,
“The new areas that breach the height standard are minimal and will not be visually discernible in the context of the approved development form.”
The Greenwich Community Association (GCA) president Peter Deane has objected to the changes stating that the GCA contends that the proposal is “substantially the same”.
“Initially a facility was proposed which catered for quite sick and elderly patrons with full care … however the new proposal is simply another high/medium density housing development, all be it for residents over 55,” Mr Deane wrote in his submission.
“This additional floor of parking will further jeopardise the sensitive environment of the Gore Creek Valley … both during construction and once completed.
“The GCA therefore strongly objects to this S4.55 (modified DA) on the basis that the new proposals (sic.) definitely not ‘substantially the same’ as the original DA, and therefore must be rejected.”
Other submissions from residents of Longueville Rd oppose the proposed modifications, one submission asking “how on earth can this possibly be acceptable?”
Another submission from a property owner in the area stated “this development proposal should be declined”.
“The building location, its ridiculous height and usage proposals are all aspects of the development that are not required and will do nothing for Lane Cove as a municipality,” the submission states.
Transport for NSW has raised no objections to the modification and no adverse reactions have been identified in relation to planned noise emissions, traffic and parking conditions.
In 2018, residents shared their concerns about the development at 266 Longueville Rd with the North Shore Times, alleging that Lane Cove Council, which owns the land of the site, stands to reap $34m from the venture.
While council continues to be the landowner of the site, construction and ongoing operation rights associated with the development have been transferred to the applicant Pathways.
If approved, construction at the site is expected to take around 26 months.
The modified plans, which have already received 23 submissions, are on exhibition until January 13, 2023.
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