Club Burwood RSL fights plans for triple skyscraper development in stoush over sunlight, noise complaints

A plan to build three affordable housing skyscrapers up to 40 storeys tall has sparked opposition from a nearby RSL club with fears the height of the towers could dwarf the venue and leave it without sunlight in daylight hours.

Development plans to build three affordable housing skyscrapers in Sydney’s inner west have been met with a cold response from a local RSL club with fears the height of the development could dwarf the venue and leave it without sunlight during daylight hours.

A planning battle has emerged over plans by developer P&N Sleiman Group to transform a large block of land on George St in Burwood into three towers containing 380 units, retail areas and commercial space.

The tallest building would stand 40 storeys tall – making it by far the tallest building in Burwood. The remaining two towers would top out at 33 and 26 storeys tall.

Developer P&N Sleiman was previously granted approval for a maximum of 30 storeys on the site but now wants to boost the height to 40 storeys.

The increase is in line with NSW Government planning laws which allow developers to increase height limits of new developments if they are able to provide 15 per cent of the units contained in new developments as affordable housing.

A concept image of the new development.

The development would have three towers.

The move has sparked backlash from Club Burwood RSL which was previously granted planning approval to relocate its current venue on Shaftesbury Rd to a new site on George St – directly over the road from the proposed skyscraper development.

The new four storey RSL club would include rooftop dining areas, a function centre, entertainment spaces, an auditorium and recreational facilities such as a gym.

In a submission to P&N Sleiman Group’s development plans, the club said the increased height could “substantially overshadow the club’s rooftop dining areas” and “result in the practical complete loss of solar access at the site from 1.30pm”.

Club Burwood has plans to relocate to a new site on George St,

There are also concerns the affordable housing development – which would house hundreds of new residents in proximity to the new RSL club – could result in a spike in complaints about noise and live music emanating from the venue.

The club has warned this could “stifle” Burwood’s night-life and limit the success of ambitious strategies by the NSW Government and Burwood Council to “encourage the growth of a vibrant night-time economy and live entertainment” in the suburb.

“The club has been designed to manage its own noise emissions, however there is the potential for breakout noise and departing patrons to disturb the future occupants,” the club’s submission states.

An artist’s impression of the new Burwood RSL Club.

“This is a significant shortcoming and whether the (proposed P&N Sleiman Group development) can offer an adequate level of amenity to future occupants is unknown at this stage.

“Repeated complaints from future occupants would significantly impact the club’s operations.”

P&N Sleiman Group, in its development plans for the state, stated the proposal would support housing demand in a growing part of Sydney.

“The key objective of the proposed development is the delivery of housing, including much needed affordable housing and a mix of unit sizes to reflect the housing needs and demographics of the local area,” the plans stated.

The demand for new housing has been highlighted by recent local planning studies showing the number of people requiring social and affordable housing is expected to grow by approximately 1415 households to 4363 households by 2036.

There is also a need for more affordable housing with studies showing 25.9 per cent of households in Burwood are currently experiencing mortgage stress and 38.5 per cent are experiencing rental stress.

The plans for the development – located at 28-34 Victoria St, 21 George St and 17 George St – are currently being considered by the NSW Department of Planning.

P&N Sleiman Group was contacted for comment but did not provide a response at the time of publication.