Nine-storey building planned for Dee Why draws controversy

A new mixed-use development is being planned for Dee Why, on Sydney’s northern beaches. But the proposal is already drawing controversy for several reasons, with one councillor claiming locals don’t want ‘Chatswood-like’ developments spreading across the area.

An artist impression of a new building development proposed for Dee Why.

• Fears over $34m development planned for northern beaches
• New hospital roadworks to affect thousands of motorists

Plans have been submitted for a nine-storey block in the heart of Dee Why.

Developers have sent the blueprints to Northern Beaches Council for consideration — despite the 97-unit block breaching local building height limits.

Councillor Vincent De Luca called for the proposal to be thrown out, describing the height as excessive.

An artist impression of the proposed building.

“The community has said loud and clear they do not want Chatswood-like high-rise and medium density developments spreading across the northern beaches,” he said.

“People live here because of the beach and bush culture. This must not be destroyed.”

The proposal is to demolish the existing buildings on the site at 874-878 Pittwater Rd.

They will be replaced by a nine-storey block with 12 ground floor shops and cafes with 97 apartments above.

Northern Beaches councillor Vincent De Luca. Picture: Adam Yip/ Manly Daily

There will also be four basement levels with space for 155 parking spaces.

The 97 apartments will be made up of 42 one-bed units, eight one-bed plus study units, 39 two-bed units, two two-bed plus study units and six studios.

The height of the block exceeds local planning guidelines by more than seven metres.

Buildings in the area are restricted to no more than 24 metres in height. The nine storey block reaches 31.7m.

In pleading for the transgression to be overlooked, the developer argues that due to the slope of the site the block appears at just over 27 metres — still more than three metres above the limit.

The site at present. Picture: Google Maps

“Dee Why lacks essential infrastructure by way of water pressure, with some not even able to have showers at peak times,” Cr De Luca said. “The suburbs are plagued with traffic and parking chaos and lack of proper transport infrastructure as well.

“The northern beaches needs to look at more low impact residential houses options like terrace houses, town houses, duplexes and perhaps even dual occupancies in appropriate areas.”

The applicant Crawford Architects already has approval for a smaller development on the site.

In June 2018 the Northern Beaches Planning Panel approved a plan for a seven storey tower with five shops and 45 units.

An artist impression of the proposed building.

Crawford Architects has said the new application will supersede the original if approved.

The construction would take 26 months although the applicant argues there will be “no significant disturbance” in the surrounding streets as a result.

The Northern Beaches Planning Panel will decide on the development application later this year.

The plans are on public consultation until February 9.