“The recommendation made this week by the JRPP is a win for local planning and the North Sydney community,” said Warwick Winn, General Manager, North Sydney Council.
“The JRPP decision vindicates Council’s refusal of the proposal and reinforces the sound strategic planning process Council undertook to guide the growth of St Leonards through our two planning studies.”
In its recommendation the JRPP noted that, in the absence of other strategic planning work to guide future development, the proposal could not be supported.
In August 2014 TWT Auswin lodged a Planning Proposal with North Sydney Council requesting a change to the LEP that would allow for a 51 storey mixed-use building. The Auswin site includes 75-89 Chandos St, 58-62 and 23-35 Atchison St, St Leonards.
Council’s St Leonards Crows Nest Planning Study has recommended a height limit of 12 to 16 storeys for the area.
At a meeting involving Auswin and their consultants Crosby Textor, Council restated its invitation to develop a masterplan for this significant site. Rather than explore this opportunity Auswin challenged Council’s position with the Department of Planning and Environment.
In October 2015 the NSW Department of Planning and Environment gave in- principle support to a 36 storey development in St Leonards that would:
• Tower over the neighbouring 2 and 4 storey buildings.
• Cast shadows over the area’s only park and
• Undermine the planning frameworks that have been carefully developed for the area.
The proposal was subsequently referred to the JRPP for a pre-gateway review, who has recommended against the proposal.
North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson said the JRPP’s recommendation was a fantastic outcome for the North Sydney community.
Details of the JRPP’s recommendation can be found at
