Chatswood South Uniting Church in 40 unit redevelopment plan

Residents in Lane Cove North have spoken out against plans to transform the region’s oldest church into 40 units amid concerns over potential impacts on the State Heritage listed site.

The building is the oldest church in the Lane Cove council region.

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A plan to transform a state heritage listed church into a multi-story unit complex has met a mixed response from historic groups, residents and transport planers on Sydney’s north shore.

More than 20 submissions and a petition has been lodged to Lane Cove Council after the Chatswood South Uniting Church released plans to build 40 units and 90 carparks at the site in Lane Cove North.

The 149-year-old church was the first to be built in council area and is the oldest Methodist church still standing on the north shore.

A photo of the church in 1871. Photo: Lane Cove Library.

The $21.1 million redevelopment plan would involve demolishing the historic Sunday school, fellowship and rectory buildings at the site.

Developer JL Chatswood 2 said the main church building would be retained and “continue to be in use for occasional meeting spaces and community activities”.

A majority of submissions have centred on concerns over traffic, potential impacts on privacy and lack of carparking. One resident, whose bedroom faces the cemetery, said up to 80 cars accessing the site per day would create “severe traffic problems” in the area.

A concept plan of the redevelopment.

There have also been objections to potential impacts on the historical significance of the site,

described by NSW Heritage as “a landmark on the Pacific Hwy”.

“The proposal raises concerns in terms of its considerable impact on the heritage quality of the church and its immediate surrounds,” Lane Cove Historical Society member Phil Hull said.

“The church and cemetery have significant heritage value to local residents – building a large imposing residential block right next door to a church and cemetery is inappropriate,” resident Craig Smith added.

The site includes a graveyard with plots of the early pioneer families.

Plans by JL Chatswood 2 state the project would meet population growth and housing demand in the local area.

“(The site) is located in an area which is experiencing significant redevelopment. The overall amenity will be excellent in terms of location and access to facilities and services,” it stated.

Transport planners at Sydney Metro have called for detailed traffic studies to address impacts on the Chatswood dive site, located across the road from the church.

Community groups hiring the church include yoga classes, wellbeing groups and organisers of AA meetings.

“These are all worthwhile community based programs. – it is vital that the church remain a useful centre for community activities,” resident Kirsty Molomby said.

The proposal is currently open for public feedback.