Crows Nest goes up 62 storeys
Crows Nest Precinct has been rezoned by the State Government to allow 62-storey towers, effective from 27 November, 2024.
Post-exhibition changes to the proposed transport oriented development (TOD) plans for Crows Nest have resulted in an increase to building height of 62 storeys in some areas. The precinct will be expanded to the west and south towards Lithgow Street, River Road and Gillies Street.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker told NL that changes of such magnitude should have been subjected to further community consultation.
“The increased height limits do not appear to consider the solar access controls set within the former 2036 Crows Nest Plan,” Mayor Baker said. “There is a danger that the new height controls will plunge some public spaces into shadow.”
Council had also expressed concern about the need for new schools to accommodate the increasing population, which will see an additional 5,900 homes built in the next few years. The Department of Education said any increase would be accommodated within existing schools.
“There is terrible uncertainty around the delivery of new public open space and social infrastructure to meet this massive new density,” Mayor Baker said. “The changes do not consider the additional infrastructure needed to support the increased number of people who will live in these higher buildings.”
The Wollstonecraft Precinct also expressed concern, with treasurer John Hancox calling the TOD a ‘disgrace.’ “Density in Crows Nest and St Leonards will exceed 20,000 people per square metre (ppsm). The highest density in NSW is the City of Sydney at 9,000ppsm, with Milsons Point following, at about 8,500ppsm.”
Proposals over $60 million (or 100 homes) will now be able to access ‘accelerated’ assessment within 275 days, bypassing council processes.
Mayor Baker said it was ‘another blow to local planning controls which have been steadily eroded for many years’ and would ‘undermine years of strategic planning.’
“The reality is that the largest development applications will be assessed by Department of Planning staff, people who are unlikely to understand the locality and planning controls (of) our area, and without any appreciation for local issues raised by our community. This is why council has consistently raised concerns about the ‘one size fits all’ approach often adopted by the government in planning matters.”
