Forest Rd, Warriewood: Developer set to build 80 new apartments and townhouses on old farm

The transformation of an old Sydney farm into 80 ‘luxury’ homes is reaching the final approval stage. See what planning authorities are looking at.

An artist's impression of townhouses to be built as part of a new 80-home residential subdivision on Forest Rd, Warriewood. Picture: Supplied

Details have emerged of proposed new plans for a $38 million “luxury” residential subdivision – with 80 new homes on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Developers have applied to tweak the design of the project that will accommodate 66 “oversized” apartments and 14 townhouses on former farmland on Forest Rd, Warriewood.

Plans for the subdivision, known as “Forest Lodge”, were approved by the NSW Land and Environment Court in May 2017, on appeal, after the original development application was knocked back by Northern Beaches Council in 2015.

The development company, Warriewood Vale Pty Ltd, attracted some controversy when it indicated in 2020 that it wanted to demolish the abandoned “Oaklands” farmhouse, known by locals as the “Wilson’s house”.

An artist's impression of one of the 66 townhouses to be built as part of a new 80-home residential subdivision on Forest Rd, Warriewood. Picture: Supplied

After community lobbying the old farmhouse which had become targeted by graffiti vandals and used, for a time by squatters, is being kept.

The original consent has gone through a number of relatively minor modifications, including changes to land titles arrangements and the reconfiguration of floor space.

The old “Oaklands” farmhouse, built in the early 1900s, on the site of the new subdivision at Warriewood. Picture: Supplied

Another application to modify the DA is now before the NSW Government‘s State North Planning Panel.

According to Modification Application documents, changes are sought to allow to new decks on the front setbacks and new fencing as well as minor internal and external alterations to the already approved townhouses and residential flat

buildings.

There are no changes to the approved number of homes on the site.

An artist's impression of the interior of a dwelling to be built as part of a new 80-home residential subdivision on Forest Rd, Warriewood. Picture: Supplied

An artist's impression of a block of apartments at a new residential subdivision planned for Forest Rd, Warriewood. Picture: Supplied

In its assessment report to the panel, Northern Beaches Council found that the

latest modifications “do not materially impact the amenity of surrounding properties, alter the approved design or impact on the natural environment”.

“Forest Lodge” is already being marketed online, described as “your own private sanctuary”.

“Surround yourself in a unique natural landscape, where the forest meets the sea. Enjoy a luxury lifestyle at Forest Lodge today”.

The panel is expected to make its final decision on the modifications this week.,