Menulog millionaire Leon Kamenev submits DA for Vaucluse site

MENULOG founder Leon Kamenev has submitted a third development application for his sprawling $80 million four lot waterfront site on Coolong Rd.

MENULOG founder Leon Kamenev has submitted a third development application for his sprawling $80 million four lot waterfront site on Coolong Rd.

Defending the latest version of plans to the 4,215m2 block, Mr Kamenev’s representatives told the Wentworth Courier the design was a “significant compromise” to the “family home”.

The saga of the Kamanev DA began after the former Ukrainian refugee made the record breaking purchase of homes 13-15A in 2016.

His initial application was given the green light by the NSW Government’s District Panel in September 2017. But the following month he revised the design with a new application which was not approved. Neighbouring residents argued the design blocked water views.

The Coolong Road site as seen from the air.

Mr Kamenev appealed the decision in the Land and Environment Court.

He was unsuccessful with Commissioner Susan O’Neill noting there would be a “significant and detrimental impact” on 28 Coolong Rd’s views. She also referred to a “monopolisation of the harbour views”.

He submitted his latest development application to Woollahra Council on July 18. .

He retained exclusive South African based architects Saota who produced a plan with less height than the previous applications, and which included improved ‘side setbacks’ — space around the home — to provide view corridors.

Leon Kamenev hopes this will be third time lucky.

Speaking to the Wentworth Courier on behalf of Mr Kamenev, environmental planner Brett Daintry said each of the DAs had complied with Woollahra council’s Development Control Plan.

“The further lowering of the house has been a significant compromise at further costs, in terms of the amenity and design outcomes to Mr Kamenev’s family home,” Mr Daintry said.

“Nevertheless, Mr Kamenev has listened carefully following the determination of the second DA.

“The proposed house is 840mm lower than the house first approved and 500mm lower than the 2nd DA.

“The outcomes for private and public views, by this third design, achieves the wish of the Court to provide some relief and more equitable in view outcomes and through a skilful design shares those views with its neighbours and the public.”

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The $10.3 million plans give a fascinating glimpse into the distinctive tastes of Mr Kamanev, who has an estimated $539 million fortune. A garden full of “rare and exotic plant material” will run along the western side of the two storey home.

The documents lodged with council read: “The dwelling is a boldly contemporary home with a unique modern aesthetic and a stature and scale that is appropriate to the site and surroundings of Vaucluse Bay … Angled stone columns and an over sailing timber roof structure define the grandly scaled spaces within the home.”

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Mr Kamenev started the online takeaway delivery company Menulog in 2006 but sold the company in 2015 to British rival Just Eat, netting a $470 million share of the $855 million sale.

The DA will be heard at a date yet to be set at the Woollahra Local Planning Panel.