Kogarah apartment development may exceed flight path limit

A $27 million development proposal to transform two modest Sydney blocks of flats into an 11-storey apartment building with 78 units is so tall it could interfere with Sydney’s flight paths.

A new development proposal for a Sydney apartment building will need special approval as it exceeds the height limit for Sydney Airport's flight paths.

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A $27 million development proposal that would transform two modest Sydney blocks of flats into an 11-storey apartment building with 78 units is so tall it could interfere with Sydney’s flight paths.

A developer has proposed an 11-storey apartment building for Sydney’s south.

The applicant for 31 and 33 Gladstone St in Kogarah will have to seek special approval from Australia’s aviation authorities to exceed the 51m inner Obstacle Limitation Surface, which ensures buildings do not interfere with Sydney Airport’s flight paths.

The proposed development would stand at 58.29m above sea level – which is more than 7m over the relevant limit for Sydney Airport.

“We have consulted … Sydney Airport Corporate administration and (they) indicated developments up to 58m AHD could be seen as acceptable,” the applicant wrote to Georges River Council.

“However the application will need to be assessed and approved by Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Airservices Australia.”

A Virgin Australia airline takes off at Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia, on Friday, December. 6, 2013. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg

The new proposal, which would increase the number of dwellings from 10 to 78, is surrounded by three- and four-storey apartment blocks and single storey homes.

The proposal suggests a combination of one, two and three bedroom apartments, eight of which can be adapted for residents with disabilities.

The design also includes a gym, rooftop garden, four basement levels of carparking and vertical green walls incorporating trailing plants.

A pedestrian link would also extend a path from the Princes Hwy towards Kogarah train station.

The current blocks of flats slated for total transformation under the development proposal.

“The proposed development results in an appropriate density for the site and future character of the Kogarah North Precinct, being designed in accordance with requirements, excluding a minor variation to the building height,” the applicant wrote.

“The proposed development has taken into consideration the projected population of this precinct, and uses nearby public infrastructures and transportation to optimise building amenity and density.”

The Kogarah North Precinct was described in March 2017 by Georges River Council as a “highly concentrated business district, with two major hospitals – St George Public and St George Private Hospitals – and the second largest TAFE in NSW”.

The development is part of the Kogarah North Precinct, which incorporates two major hospitals and the second largest TAFE in NSW. Picture: Christian Gilles

“In order to provide additional housing opportunities close to the Kogarah Town Centre, the

Kogarah North Precinct was identified as a suitable location to accommodate growth,” their precinct plan read.

“New residents will live … in apartment buildings – consequently, public and communal spaces will play a greater role as places for entertaining, socialising, exercise and all kinds of recreation.”

Kogarah generates 17 per cent of jobs in the Greater Sydney Commission’s South District, which incorporates Georges River, Sutherland Shire and Canterbury Bankstown Councils.