Lane Cove: 86-unit public rental apartment development approved

A decision has been revealed on a controversial north shore social housing development that ignited an ugly debate among locals, some of whom wanted it built in ‘other parts of Sydney’.

The five-storey, 86-unit NSW Government rental development in Mowbray Rd, Lane Cove North, have been given the go ahead. Picture: Supplied

A large scale social housing development which ignited an ugly debate among North Shore residents who called for it to be relocated has been given the go ahead.

The NSW Government’s housing block at Lane Cove North will have 86 social and affordable units for rent, accommodating up to 155 tenants.

But when plans for the $57m five-storey redevelopment went on public display, they attracted an avalanche of negative comments from NIMBYs who feared it would affect residential property values in the area.

Some locals also feared the block, to be built opposite Mowbray Public School, would led to a rise in local crime, including theft, as well as see a spike in anti-social behaviour.

Of the 88 public submissions received by the Planning Department, 87 were from objectors.

A planning report shows some residents also called for social housing away from Lane Cove North, and moved to “alternate areas of Sydney”.

Of the 88 submissions from the public about the $57m development, 87 were opposed to it. Picture: Supplied

Planning Minister Paul Scully has given permission for the project, which will replace seven vacant house dating back to the 1960s, after the NSW Land and Housing Corporation lodged a State Significant Development application.

The development will be led by Homes NSW, a division of the Department of Communities and Justice that delivers social and affordable housing in an effort to reduce homelessness.

Some locals did not like the idea that the rental development was opposite Mowbray Public School. Picture: Supplied

Homes NSW has responded to concerns, stating that the development was designed to blend into the community, helping to reduce the stigma associated with social housing.

There are other privately owned units, in five-storey buildings, nearby.

“Like other members of the community, most tenants (of social housing) are good neighbours and law-abiding people,” Homes NSW stated.

“There is no evidence to indicate that this development would negatively affect property values in the region.”

Homes NSW said a community housing provider would also be selected to manage the property and would have measures in place to “address any disruptive behaviour”.

Location of an affordable/social housing development with 86 units at Lane Cove North that has been given the go ahead by planning authorities. Picture: Supplied

The department said it was “committed to addressing the social housing needs” of the area.

Plans show the development would involve excavation, tree removal and associated landscaping.

The development would include communal open space, a rooftop garden and 42 carparks.

Of the 86 units, 43 would be dedicated as social housing and 43 as affordable apartments that could be rented by tenants such as essential workers.

Other concerns raised in submissions have included potential traffic impacts, particularly on Mowbray Rd which already experiences heavy congestion in peak periods.

Construction of the development is expected to begin in October and be completed by February 2027.

Originally published as Lane Cove: 86-unit public rental apartment development approved