Dee Why, Pacific Pde: Developer bid to bulldoze three houses and build block of 16-units

Three homes — including a well known art deco house – are in the sights of a developer to replace them with a four-storey unit block near a Sydney beach.

An artist's impression of a proposed block of 16 units at the corner of Pacific Pde and Griffin Rd, Dee Why, which will replace three homes now on the site. Picture: PBD Architects

The fate of a $7 million bid to bulldoze three properties — including a well known art deco house — at Dee Why and replace them with a block of 16 apartments is set to be decided.

Northern Beaches Council has recommended to an independent planning body that the four-storey redevelopment, just south of the beach, be approved.

But the DA, submitted to the council in May last year, attracted 18 submissions from locals opposed to the construction, on the busy corner of Pacific Pde and Griffin Rd, when it twice went on public exhibition.

Because of the number of submissions and the height of the building slightly exceeding local zoning rules, the project now has to be assessed by the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel.

An artist's impression of a proposed block of 16 units at the corner of Pacific Pde and Griffin Rd, Dee Why. Picture: PBD Architects

Complaints from neighbours ranged from the redevelopment being too big; having too many units: not enough parking and; generating too much traffic in the local area.

There were also objections to demolishing the “heritage” art deco-style house at 151 Pacific Pde, built by the Mason family in 1939.

Joshua Copland Nielsen, in his submission, stated that this house was of “the upmost importance to our architectural history as people of Dee Why, the Beaches, Sydney and even Australia”.

The art deco home, built in 1939, which some locals say needs to be protected from demolition. Picture: Google Maps

“A rare two-storey build for its time. This home lives and breathes our area and it is imperative we do something to protect it.”

In her submission Kate Meaney pointed out that the building would “obstruct all skyline, horizon views from our apartment and obstruct light entering our apartment”.

“The natural light and sunset views are huge features and without these our apartment would simply not be the same,” Ms Meaney wrote.

Martin Meanwell predicted the traffic movements would be higher than those stated in the DA documents.

“(They) will cause significant problems to the traffic flow of an already busy road.”

In its assessment report to the panel, the council stated that the site was “one of the few remaining undeveloped sites within this area of Dee Why”.

“The development will present as a visually interesting and attractive building,” according to the council report.

“Furthermore, the variations to the built form controls do not cause unreasonable amenity impact to neighbouring properties.”

Three homes on Pacific Pde, Dee Why, proposed to be demolished and replaced by a 16-unit block of apartments. Picture: Google Maps

The council’s heritage section investigated the house at 151 Pacific Pde and found that while the “building is interesting as an example of its particular art deco era, it is not of any heritage significance that would warrant retention”.

A proposed communal roof top garden, including a terrace, pergola and bathroom, were removed from the original plan at Council’s request after public complaints.

The council also asked the applicant to sort out potential stormwater overflow problems by redesigning its drain infrastructure.

Two levels of underground parking for 23 cars would be provided, if the block gets the go ahead.

The panel will hear from the DA applicant and some of those opposed to the project at a meeting on Wednesday, before making its final decision.