Locals and council want extra time for submissions
Council has called on the government to re-open the consultation for the Indigo by Moran proposal for a seniors development at 156 Ocean St, Narrabeen.
The proposal, which would see 149 independent living units and a 10-room aged care facility over five storeys, had a consultation period of 14 days, which is permissible under the State Government’s new planning reforms. Over 700 responses were lodged, most objecting to the development.
The move comes as the government passed new planning legislation which some, including Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, say will mean communities have less say on developments.
Narrabeen local Paul Dennis attended a November protest outside the site, which is currently housing women at risk through the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter, with permission of Retirement by Moran. “We’re all for development, we’re all for seniors and retirement living, but there are planning regulations in place that must be upheld,” Mr Dennis said. “A development that is 71% over the legal height limit is grossly over the compliance. (We object to) the traffic, the visual impact, the pressure it’s going to put on local services and the precedent that it sets for this area.”
The legal height allowed for Indigo by Moran, which is classified as a state significant development, is 12.3 metres (four storeys). Sally Taylor, managing director of Moran, said 98% of the development was less than 16 metres. “Because of the presence of the large Norfolk pines across the front of the site, and their substantial tree protection zones that cause substantial setbacks, we have applied for an additional (fifth) storey so that we can maintain these trees. A fully compliant scheme would have meant removing these trees, which neither we nor the community support.”
The highest point of the development is 21 metres (less than 0.05% of the entire site) for a lift overrun to enable residents to access the rooftop terrace without needing to climb stairs, Ms Taylor added.
Previously, the site was managed by Wesley Mission and had around 60 residents. The new facility would accommodate 250 seniors, with most interest coming from Northern Beaches locals wanting to downsize, Ms Taylor concluded.
Council is asking for a 28-day consultation, with Moran now preparing its response to submissions.