Belrose: Revised plans lodged for $44m apartment block and shops on old library site

Planning officials will be asked to make a decision on revised plans for a controversial $44m bid to redevelop the community eyesore that is the abandoned old Belrose library.

Revised plans for a controversial $44 million redevelopment of a dilapidated public library site have been lodged with planning authorities.

A previous bid to build a “shop top” project which included 51 apartments, a gym, shops, eateries and a car wash on the abandoned Belrose Library block was thrown out.

In November an independent NSW Government planning panel rejected the proposal because it was a “substantial overdevelopment of the site”.

The Sydney North Planning Panel also told the developer, Platinum Property Advisers, that the “Belrose Village Square” proposal development was out of character with the neighbourhood.

It said that the shop top housing failed to demonstrate “design quality” in relation to visual privacy, apartment size and layout, parking, ceiling heights, landscaping and energy efficiency.

An artist's impression of the former DA for the proposed Belrose Village Square development that was rejected by planning officials. Picture: Supplied

The developer also wanted to raise the height of the building more than three metres above the current permissible level. The maximum building height for the site, under the Warringah Local Environment Plan 2011, is 8.5m, but the developer wanted to increase the height of part of the project to more than 12m.

An artist's impression of shops at the proposed Belrose Village Square development on the site of the old Belrose Library. Picture: DKO Architecture

Community opposition to the previous plans was substantial. The panel said of the 134 written submissions received, 114 were opposed to the plans.

Platinum property lodged an appeal in the Land and Environment Court.

It has now submitted revised plans which include reducing the number of apartments to 49, but a consultant’s report contained in the latest DA documents said the developer still wanted a variation to the building height development standard.

An artist's impression showing the full size of the proposed Belrose Village Square development on the site of the old Belrose Library, with Glenrose Pl on the left. Picture: DKO Architecture

Other amendments include a drop in height from 12.359m to 12.2m; removal of the gym; and increasing car spaces from 190 to 238.

The consultant’s report stated that the deigns would allow for “the majority of the proposal (to be) perceived as (height) compliant from adjoining streets and neighbouring properties” and that the bulk of the height noncompliance would face the neighbouring Glenrose Shopping Village.

A fire damaged part of the abandoned Belrose library last year. Picture: Facebook

“Any noncompliance visible from adjoining public areas is perceived as a significantly recessed element.

The proposal still incorporates landscaped pedestrian links across the site and a “generous and active public square, central to the site,” the consultant’s report stated.

An artist's impression of the proposed Belrose Village Square development with 49 apartments above shops and cafes around a central plaza. Picture: Supplied

A nearby resident, Ian Hair, said in a submission that the amended proposal was still too high, too large and the setback from the street was out of keeping with the area

“This amended development is not needed and should be downsized or preferably remain a green area for existing residents,” Mr Hair wrote.

Northern Beaches Council sold the 5,332 sqm block in 2017 to help raise money to go towards a more modern library nearby as well as funding the Glen St Cultural Hub, including a revitalised Glen Street Theatre.

Platinum Property has been contacted for comment.