Dee Why, Avon Rd, Richmond Ave: Locals in ‘blue ribbon’ area not happy with new flat development

A developer wants to build a massive block of 26 flats in a “prestigious locale” at Dee Why, but what do planning officials think?

A proposal to build a large block of 26 flats in a so-called “prestigious locale” at Dee Why has been knocked back because the redevelopment didn’t fit in with the character of the neighbourhood.

The developer wants to demolish four separate houses and spend $8.6 million to put up the four-storey apartment block on the corner of Avon Rd and Richmond Ave — close to the Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge.

But the independent Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel has unanimously voted to kick the development application out.

A proposed block of 26-units for the “prestigious locale” of Avon Rd and Richmond Ave, Dee Why, was described as “excessively bulky” by planning officials. Picture: Walsh Architects

The development application (DA), which originally went to Northern Beaches Council, attracted 11 submissions from the public calling for it to be rejected because it breached local height limits; would cause traffic problems; and place too much demand on street parking spaces.

There were also concerns that neighbours’ water views would be disrupted and that the block would be built too close to neighbouring buildings, causing privacy and overshadowing issues.

Resident Narelle Hewins wrote in her submission that the building would breach height limits and that the number of units would “go close to, or exceed what would be considered medium density”.

The height of the proposed block of 26-units in Avon Rd, Dee Why was a concern for locals. Picture: Walsh Architects

“These issues will possibly diminish the value and selling points (quiet and peaceful)

that Richmond Ave residents can currently command and have paid a premium (for)

to live in a Blue Ribbon locale,” Mrs Hewins wrote.

In her submission Vivienne Barlow wrote that she hoped the council would be given enough time to “consider the impacts that such a development will have on the prestigious locale of both Richmond Ave and Avon Road”.

Some locals were concerned the block did not have enough landscaped open space and was too close to neighbours. Picture: Walsh Architects

Local David Webb wrote that issues with privacy, noise, traffic and parking could “potentially

lower the value of my home”.

Philip Johnson was worried that the “oversized building” would affect his TV and NBN reception.

In its Assessment Report, recommending the DA be refused, council officers wrote that the it was an “overdevelopment of the site”.

They wrote that the “excessively bulky” four-storey redevelopment was “found to be inconsistent with the desired future character” of the area as part of local planning rules allowing buildings of three-storeys.

“(The development) will create an undesirable precedent such that it would undermine the desired future character of the area and be contrary to the expectations of the community,” the report stated.

The houses proposed for demolition on Avon Rd, Dee Why. Picture: Google Maps

“The proposal for a front wall and fencing on top is inconsistent with the majority of properties within the locality in proximity.”

Council officers were also critical of the small size of the outdoor landscaped area and the fact it did not have enough medium and tall canopy trees.

In a report to council architect Scott Walsh stated that the best practice design principles were adhered to.”

“A balanced palette of materials and a well-proportioned building form will ensure a sophisticated integration of the proposed building into the existing

context,” Mr Walsh wrote.

“We believe it contributes greatly to the quality and identity of the area.”

The owner of the property, Peter Holmes Investments Pty Ltd, will appeal the decision in the NSW Land and Environment Court.