Mosman: court hands down decision on multistorey retail development

After years of back and forth, a court has finally made a call on controversial plans for a huge retail development in the heart of Mosman village.

Contentious plans to transform a strip of shops in the Mosman town centre into a multi storey retail and unit complex have been given the green light after a legal challenge by developers.

HPG Mosman Projects has been given approval to turn three buildings at 171-179 Avenue Rd into four levels of shops and 11 apartments after lodging an appeal against Mosman Council’s decision to refuse the $8.9 million project last year.

The proposal has previously divided opinions from residents with those opposed raising concerns over potential impacts on the character of the shopping strip, while those in favour said it would create much-needed housing in the local government area.

A concept of modified plans approved in court.

Residents attending on-site court meetings put forward additional concerns including the potential for “structural defects” in neighbouring buildings from proposed construction works.

Another resident in support of the project told the court meeting the development “would increase the diversity of housing options for people wanting to downsize” in the area.

Mosman Council’s objections to the proposal included “excessive” building height and concerns the project failed to meet urban design controls which encourage developments that fit the existing two storey Federation streetscape in the town centre.

A photo of the original proposal lodged last year.

The project will involve demolishing existing shops in the heritage conservation area including Il Perugino Restaurant, Four Frogs Creperie and 20/20 dry cleaning.

HPG Mosman Projects said compliance with the current 11m tall building height limit was “unreasonable” and scaling back the proposal from the 13.5m would result in a penthouse apartment located on the upper floor having to be removed.

A photo of the existing site.

Land and Environment Court Commissioner Susan O’Neill, in her decision on Friday, said she was satisfied the proposal was “consistent with the urban design and planning objectives” for the Mosman town centre.

Ms O’Neill approved the development on 121 conditions including a limit on construction works from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and to 1pm on Saturdays.

HPG will retain the heritage facade of 171 Avenue Rd as part of the development and said the height was “consistent with buildings in the surrounding area.”

The company will also carry out a dilapidation report to address concerns from adjoining property owners as part of the approval.