Lindfield: Multistorey development plan revealed for town centre site as new planning laws enacted for residential suburbs

Homes in the Lindfield town centre have been earmarked for demolition as part of a multistorey unit development standing almost a metre taller than the council’s height limit.

A concept image of the multistorey unit development planned for Lindfield.

New plans have been revealed for a multistorey unit development in the Lindfield town centre as community debate wages over contentious planning changes for Sydney’s residential suburbs.

Two properties on Beaconsfield Pde have been earmarked for a proposed 37-unit development that would stand up to six storeys tall on the western edge of the town centre.

The development, proposed by developer Turramurra 88 Pty Ltd, includes landscaping works, rooftop recreation spaces and basement carparking.

The proposal would involve the amalgamation and demolition of multiple properties at the site including a row of two storey dwellings and a single storey home.

Plans stated the proposal was in line with the “urban renewal” of Lindfield which includes the planned nearby Lindfield Village Hub unit and commercial development.

A concept image of the development.

The proposal comes amid ongoing community concern over NSW Government planning law changes that will allow increased development near four Ku-ring-gai train stations – Lindfield, Gordon, Killara and Roseville.

Ku-ring-gai Council has been a vocal critic of the reforms, which mayor Sam Ngai said could decimate the character of heritage suburbs and encourage developers to “go nuts”.

The council says the level of rezoning earmarked for Ku-ring-gai was also “disproportionate” with other parts of Sydney and could have “extensive impacts” on the community.

The development would stand 0.9m taller than the current height limit.

Despite the council’s objections, the Department of Planning this week approved the first stage of new ‘transport oriented development’ planning laws – allowing increased building heights near train stations including Lindfield.

Mayor Sam Ngai, in a statement this week, said the planning changes would impact urban tree canopy, heritage and the ability for infrastructure to support increased density.

“The government’s mantra is that existing infrastructure can accommodate all this population growth and people will be using public transport to get around,” he said.

A concept photo of the planned development.

“Everyone knows this is a fairytale. Ask anyone trying to get to work on time in Sydney or enrol their kids into local schools.”

The plans for the Beaconsfield Rd site follow the release of a 15 storey tower proposal with 95 units at 345 Pacific Highway in Lindfield, currently home to businesses including Lindfield Medical Practice.

Turramurra 88 Pty Ltd, in plans to Ku-ring-gai Council, said the development would support housing demand in the upper north shore.

Ku-ring-gai Mayor Sam Ngai has been critical of the sweeping planning changes.

“The subject lot is located within proximity of the Lindfield Station transport corridor and the Pacific Hwy,” the plans stated.

“The surrounding area provides for a number of community uses and schools, libraries, church facilities and associated family services such as seniors living facilities, preschools and early learning centres which support the residential and commercial character.”

Plans show the development would stand 18.4m tall – almost one metre taller than the current 17.5m height limit.

A photo of buildings currently at the site.

Turramurra 88 Pty Ltd, in planning documents, described the proposal as being “in keeping with the desired future character of the locality.

“The proposed development will achieve the zone objectives by providing for an appropriate balance of unit sizes and bedroom mix which is in the public interest.”

The proposal was lodged with Ku-ring-gai Council and is currently under assessment.