Willoughby: New plans revealed to add units, increase height of Walter St development next to former Channel 9 studios

Two years after being granted planning approval, a Sydney developer wants to increase the size and height of a contentious housing development next to the former Channel 9 studios in Sydney’s north. Here’s the latest.

The new development involves increasing the building heights at the site, located next to the former Channel 9 studios in Willoughby

A contentious housing development located next to the former Channel 9 studios in Sydney’s north is set to become even bigger in size as a developer aims to add more units and increase the height of the project.

Willoughby Council has been asked to consider a $21.9 million application by developer Walter Projects to boost the scale of its previously approved plans to build 164 units in five new buildings on the site of 19 low-rise homes on Walter Street in Willoughby.

The original proposal was approved in 2022, despite triggering opposition from nearby residents and community groups due to the height of the development and concerns it could add more traffic congestion onto already busy local roads.

Walter Projects now wants the development to have an extra 27 units – resulting in three of the five new buildings standing as tall as 11 storeys height, or 28 per cent over the original approved height limit.

The original approval was for a development no taller than nine storeys tall.

The new development will have more than 180 new units.

The new development plans by Walter Projects stated the increase was “consistent” with recently overhauled NSW Government planning laws aimed at encouraging new developments near town centres and public transport.

According to the plans, the additional units will be provided as affordable housing for a “minimum period of 15 years”.

“The amended development plan delivers an improved development outcome that is both viable and delivers significant public benefit through the provision of affordable housing,” the plans stated.

The development will have five buildings.

“The additional density is appropriate due to the site’s location and will enhance the quality and identity of the area.”

Previous objections from residents included concerns that the height of the development could cause overshadowing on nearby properties – including the new Mirvac development located directly north of the site at former Channel 9 studios.

Submissions from residents claimed that the combined impacts of the Mirvac and Walter Rd developments could result in up to 1200 resident cars added on local roads.

The original plans were approved in 2022.

According to the new development plans, the additional vehicle numbers generated by the amended plans are predicted to be “very minor”.

Plans stated “there were adequate amenities to support the increased density” and that the proposal would address NSW Government housing targets for the Willoughby local government areas.

Other features of the proposal include 224 carparking spaces, bicycle parking areas and landscaping works including communal gardens.

The new plans have been lodged with Willoughby Council and are currently being considered.