New push to increase Nelson Bay building heights sparks fierce debate
Councillors are pushing to increase building heights in Nelson Bay, reigniting fierce debate over a stalled apartment project named after one of Sydney developer Danny Abdallah’s children, who was killed in a horrific crash.
A special apartment building, named after one of Sydney developer Danny Abdallah’s children killed in a horrific crash, is at the centre of a renewed battle to increase building heights in a popular coastal suburb at Port Stephens.
Port Stephens councillors Chris Doohan and Mark Watson are seeking to re-open the highly sensitive debate around height limits in Nelson Bay.
The pair have submitted a notice of motion for the next council meeting on November 25, to request a report on opportunities to increase maximum building heights by at least two storeys, as well as to amend the current Local Environment Plan (LEP).
Their reason is to allow the potential for more sustainable, economically viable and high-quality urban development and to attract and retain investors.
“Got a housing crisis across the state, so the only logical solution is we look to go up,” Cr Watson said.
“It is important that we attract investors and have all year round economy to support our local businesses.
“We need to get these projects finished and provide the confidence for them (developers).”
But Cr Doohan said the actual catalyst for his push was a development in Yacaaba St which is sadly sitting idol due to a dispute over heights limits.
Sydney developer Danny Abdallah, who lost three of his children when a drunk driver ploughed into them on a footpath in Sydney’s west in February 2020, is behind the building of the Angelina Apartments, named after one of his kids.
He asked for an extension for two levels of townhouses at the top of the building but was knocked back by council.
It’s caused the construction of the apartments to halt.
“I was devastated we couldn’t get that through and I fear that’s going to turn into a ghost town building,” Cr Doohan said.
“It could go into the hands of financiers.
“I want that building to be completed and for people to move into the town.”
He said Nelson Bay was currently suffering from lack of development with height limits being a massive issue for developers.
“The amount of shops empty just tells a story,” he said.
“In order to get a vibe back into the town, those apartments need to be finished.”
Mr Abdallah didn’t wish to comment when contacted.
Historically it’s been an issue that has been fiercely contested by the local community.
Council adopted a plan in 2018 that retained height limits of five storeys in the town core but reduced proposed height limits from ten to eight storeys, or 28 metres, on the edges due to overwhelming public outcry.
Extensive public consultation at the time saw over 90 submissions express concerns over a proposed height increase, including from the Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association (TRRA) which was opposed to any increases.
Their members instead wanted to preserve the “coastal village feel” and protect their views.
President of the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group Peter Clough also said he was happy with the current height levels.
“I’m ok with what was approved seven years ago. I support that. It makes a lot of sense,” he said.
“Nelson Bay has a village atmosphere.”
But Cr Doohan argues development equals progress for the town and has hit out at the association who have been against the growth of the town.
“I call them the Nelson Bay Nimbys. Let’s get on with it,” he added.
“They were going on that Nelson Bay would look like the Gold Coast and that is just rubbish.
“We need to try and allow the town growth to a sustainable but practicable level.
“I don’t give a stuff about the building height when it came to getting that across the line, those units would went on a way to helping the east ward.”
But new information has come to light just this week after a State Government Planning bill was passed and means new regulations could see council decisions over height limits overturned statewide.
Cr Watson said the pair will now be looking to defer their motion until the new year to get their head around the new regulations coming in.
“Whether council likes it or not, State Government is going to be pushing forward with increasing building heights,” he added.
“The motion was calling for a review so there’s a lot of information to take in and we need to go through it all.
“We want to see a thriving economy in Nelson Bay, we want to see those shops full, we want affordable housing, we want housing stock freed up.”
TRRA was contacted for comment but did not respond at time of publication.
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Originally published as New push to increase Nelson Bay building heights sparks fierce debate
