New McLean St, Edgecliff: Developer calls for NSW Planning to approve 22-storey apartment tower

A developer has called on the NSW Government to bypass a council refusal on a 22-storey tower in the city’s east, which would bring more than 250 new homes.

Developers behind a towering high rise apartment complex – earmarked to bring an additional 250 homes to an eastern suburbs CBD – are calling on the NSW Government to bypass a council refusal to green light the project.

Woollahra Council raised concerns over concept plans, environmental, heritage and economic impacts after developers ‘Mount St 4’ submitted a planning proposal for a 22-storey residential tower at 8 to 10 New McLean St, Edgecliff – replacing smaller apartment blocks on the site.

Following council backlash over the proposal, planners for the project submitted a rezoning review application to the NSW Planning Department in an effort to bypass council’s refusal to see the high-rise shop-top housing development approved.

Artist impressions for the 22-storey tower proposed for 8-10 New McLean Street, Edgecliff

Planners said the towering development would include community facilities, retail, offices, an indoor recreational facility and a medical centre on the site.

“The site represents a unique opportunity to deliver a high-quality, innovative and sustainable development, delivering a suite of public benefits,” planners for the project said. “Currently the site contains ageing residential flat buildings ... (with) low amenity apartments.”

Artist impressions for the 22-storey tower proposed for 8-10 New McLean Street, Edgecliff

Artist impressions for the 22-storey tower proposed for 8-10 New McLean Street, Edgecliff

The planner said the development would contribute to the “growth and revitalisation of Edgecliff”, concentrating higher density development near the town centre and transport hub.

“This planning proposal recognises the considerable potential for the site to facilitate new and improved facilities as part of an innovative and sustainable mixed-use development adjacent to the Edgecliff railway station and bus interchange,” the planner said. “The planning proposal has the potential to provide high quality, affordable housing.”

The rezoning review application said Woollahra Council had failed to indicate its support 90 days after the submission of the proposal, sparking the developer’s option to bypass council.