Homeowners rally over development plan to turn five Chatswood homes into 162 units

Developers say a plan to turn five homes in a Sydney town centre into 162 high-rise units will help address the city’s housing demands – but local residents say it will block views and turn local roads into a “nightmare”. See what’s planned.

Residents in Chatswood are rallying against plans to turn five homes in the suburb into a 162 high-rise housing tower due to concerns including traffic congestion and overshadowing – but developers say the project will help address the ongoing housing shortage.

A $184.5 million development plan has been revealed to demolish homes at 3 Mcintosh Street, and 38, 40 and 42 Anderson St to accommodate a new 90m tall tower.

The development would have two levels of retail and commercial space, basement carparking areas and 162 units on upper levels of the building.

Plans by developer 3 McIntosh Pty Ltd stated the project would help encourage “housing diversity” in the local area and “cater to families, the ageing population, diverse household types and key workers”.

But the scale of the development has sparked opposition from multiple residents – as well as petition opposing the bulk of the tower.

A concept photo of the development

Resident Sandy Ng believes the proposal would “obstruct the scenic view” from nearby apartment buildings.

“The loss of this view not only diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the area but also takes away an essential aspect of tranquillity that I have come to cherish,” she said.

The petition – titled a “Nightmare on Anderson St” – has also raised concerns the development could exacerbate traffic on already congested local roads.

A photo of the current buildings at the site.

Resident Nayden Natchevski said the proposed development could “make McIntosh St completely dark, unlivable and overcrowded”.

“The construction noise, pollution and echoing effect within such a small development area will place enormous noise and traffic across the area,” he said.

3 McIntosh Pty Ltd – in development plans to Willoughby Council – stated the proposal is consistent with zoning laws for the site and would “encourage a diversity of business, retail and office opportunities”.

A photo of the development site.

“The proposed shop top housing will provide housing opportunities on the edges of the Chatswood CBD, supporting public transport use and includes non-residential uses to provide for the day-to-today needs that contribute to the vitality of the centre,” the plans stated.

Plans also described the development as being consistent with the “evolving” streetscape of Chatswood which has seen a spike in residential towers built and proposed in recent years.

If approved, the plans show a total of four per cent of units – or about six in total – would be offered to future tenants as ‘affordable housing’.

Other features of the proposal include outdoor facilities including a swimming pool, gym, BBQ area and terraces.

The plans have been referred to the Department of Planning and are currently under assessment.