Pittwater MP slams the Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy for turning on the tap for developers
The development application (DA2025/0447) currently open on council's website for submissions until June 2, has been made, the proponent's agents state, 'because Chapter 6 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP) which came into effect on 28th February 2025. Pursuant to clause 164(1) of the Housing SEPP, the Northern Beaches LGA is one to which Chapter 6 applies. Pursuant to clause 174 of the Housing SEPP, development for the purpose of a residential flat building is permitted with consent on the site, as it is located within a Low and Mid-rise housing area and an R3 Medium Density Residential zone'.
Consent (DA 2024/0190) had been granted in August 2024 for the construction of a 2 storey building containing 6 apartments over 2 levels together with a single basement level of car parking.
Since approval of this development application the Low and Mid-rise housing provisions have commenced, so now a new DA seeks approval for construction of a 5-storey apartment building and two levels of underground basement parking.
On May 9 2025 a supplementary statement submitted details of an amendment sought to the development for the introduction of a rooftop swimming pool and the associated relocation of rooftop services - so now it would be 8 levels in total.
The DA is non-compliant in several of the still in place Pittwater LEP and DCP requirements, including a significant height breach and clearing of trees, however the proponents agent states to each of these: ‘’ These provisions derogate from the Chapter 6 provisions of the Housing SEPP and accordingly do not apply’’.
One objector has stated:
''The Developers proposal and no doubt future developer’s proposals, as every second property in our street has been door knocked by developers, is not about getting first home buyers into a home or affordable housing. It is about turfing out current residents and building multi million dollar properties.
If the additional height is approved it will set a precedent for the whole street and adjoining streets in the area and change the whole look and feel of why people moved here or have lived here for a very long time. Not to mention the strain on the dead end street and surrounding infrastructure. We feel very strongly about not permitting additional height for any future development due to neighbouring residents sunlight being jeopardised. This is not the Gold Coast. We all, including the decision makers need to get serious about seeing this for what it really is; over development of a community village.''
Another has pointed out the street, Golf Avenue, is now a carpark anyway due to its use by B-Line commuters and the increase of visitors to the redeveloped Golf Club directly opposite.
''This increased development in our street will only worsen the current traffic situation, as well as the current parking situation which is at its limit. Not to mention that a 6 storey building will detrimentally affect the aesthetics of the street, cause shading and privacy issues for the immediate neighbours. It will also affect the whole suburb which is already heaving with the increased population - our public transport system is at capacity, parking is at a premium, and our roads are congested and in constant disrepair.'' they stated
However, the proponent is so confident the cash-grab of 11 instead of 6 must be approved they have commenced advertising the units as 'high end residences for those who appreciate the finer things' through a Dee Why real estate agency.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, a strong advocate for community and council-led planning, said that under the new rules “we will end up with luxury apartments selling for $3m plus, not the diverse housing that is used to justify the policy.”
The development application at 32 Golf Avenue has modified its height, courtesy of new low and mid-rise housing rules introduced by the NSW government this year, which allow development up to 6 storeys in R3 zones. In Mona Vale, the R3 zones are pockets between Golf Avenue and Seabeach Avenue and in and around Darley Street West.
The blanket nature of Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, which is impacting over 170 towns across NSW, continues the myth that the only solution to the housing crisis is relaxing planning laws,” said Ms Scruby.
“It’s not a win for Mona Vale - where council and community had been working on their own Mona Vale Place Plan. Although some residents will see their land value increase, others are suddenly facing living next to higher buildings, impacting their living amenity.
“However, overall, the decision to exclude four other villages in Pittwater is a win, especially as other electorates in the Northern Beaches LGA have had 8 town centres declared and we have one.”
Pittwater had five villages at risk of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy - Narrabeen, Warriewood, Newport, Avalon and Mona Vale - and only one selected. Ms Scruby campaigned for Pittwater to be excluded based on geographical limitations, bushfire and flood risk and lack of infrastructure.
“Despite all the rhetoric from local Liberals saying they believe in community planning, the Liberal Party has recently teamed up with Labor to pass laws that reverse strategic planning for Sydney and its districts and open the floodgates for developers. Independents, on the other hand, moved successful amendments to retain community consultation periods which were at risk of being significantly reduced.
Ms Scruby again spoke against the new rules in Parliament this week, saying “I am opposed to poor, uncoordinated planning that takes away community voice and council planning, and risks damaging the character of our local communities.
“I’ve already met Golf Avenue residents, and local residents’ associations, and I encourage everyone to write a submission on the DA. If you want to actively rally against these policies, you are welcome to sign my petition and come to parliament for Question Time when I bring up this issue - details will be announced on social media and my website,” said Ms Scruby.
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Mona Vale Set to Become Dee Why of Pittwater Under NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise policy