Balgowlah shoptop units approved despite building height breach

A $6 million shoptop housing development in Balgowlah, on Sydney’s northern beaches, has been given the green light — and people aren’t happy. SEE THE ARTIST IMPRESSIONS.

An artist’s impression of the Sydney Rd, Balgowlah development. Picture: PBD Architects.

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A $6 million shoptop housing development has been given the green light — despite breaching the area’s height limit.

The Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel approved the Sydney Rd, Balgowlah, development last week.

The development, at 15.7m high, is in breach of the area’s limit of 12.5m.

It will have two levels of basement parking with space for six retail units on the ground floor.

On levels one and two there will be four two-bed units and a one-bed unit.

On level three there will be three two-beds and two one-beds.

The developer had originally proposed adding an extra floor.

The council received six submissions with residents raising fears of a loss of sunlight, excessive noise and the height of the development.

An aritst’s impression fo the Sydney Rd, Balgowlah development. Picture: PBD Architects.

David Ferguson, who lives next door to the site, told council the development would “adversely affect the liveability” and “value” of his property.

Fellow neighbour Stephanie Ritchie said she feared the excess height of the building would impact on privacy.

But Boston Blyth Fleming Town Planners argued on behalf of developer, listed as 398 Balgowlah Pty Limited, that the proposal is “responsive to context, compatible with that of adjoining development” and “will not result in unacceptable or jarring residential amenity, streetscape or broader urban design impacts.”

The planning panel agreed, stating the developer had “adequately addressed” the need to breach the height limit.

All four members voted in favour.