Cromwell’s Chatswood hotel plans approved

A 15-storey hotel with 156 rooms has been approved for Chatswood after a planning panel agreed providing more commercial space near the train station was in the public interest.

This artist’s impression shows the four-storey commercial building planned in the foreground. Picture: Cromwell

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A 15-storey hotel with 156 rooms has been approved for Chatswood after a planning panel agreed providing more commercial space near the train station was in the public interest.

The state government-appointed Sydney North Planning Panel last week approved Cromwell Diversified Property Trust’s $75 million plans to build the hotel and a four-storey commercial building at 475-501 Victoria Ave.

The panellists were former state Liberal leader Peter Debnam, Sue Francis, John Roseth, Willoughby Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney and council planner Linda McClure.

Former Liberal leader Peter Debnam (right) was chair of the panel. He is pictured with John and Janette Howard. Picture: Ryan Osland

A two-storey commercial building and shop at the site will make way for the new buildings.

The hotel would include a 13m lap pool, restaurant and three conference rooms.

The hotel’s proposed height was reasonable as two 14-storey commercial towers stand adjacent to the site, according to Cromwell’s town planners Urbis.

This artist’s impression shows the planned hotel behind the four-storey commercial building. Picture: Cromwell

The underground carpark at the site would be retained but its capacity reduced from 365 spaces to 291.

This was due to structural elements and services, according to the plans. Parking would also be provided for 98 bicycles.

Willoughby Council staff recommended the plans be approved, subject to some technical conditions.

There were 11 submissions received from the public which raised concerns about height, view loss and shadowing.