In November 2015 the Chatswood South Uniting Church, on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Mowbray Road (just near The Great Northern), was listed for sale. Two years later it was on the market again and finally purchased by a developer.
The Developer has now submitted a Development Application to the Lane Cove Council to build 40 new apartments (5/2020).
The Development Application states “All existing buildings, other than the existing heritage significant church building, will be demolished and replaced with the proposed multi-dwelling housing development. The dwellings are of three (3) levels above ground. One (1) level of basement car parking is proposed, providing sufficient parking to meet the needs of the development. Further background information here.
Public Comments
The Development Application was advertised for public comment. Neighbours, locals and community groups lodged objections to the development.
Most people objected to the development on the basis of traffic and parking issues. The development is located on the very busy Pacific Highway and Mowbray Road intersection.
The Lane Cove Historical Society objected to the development on the basis that the development raises concerns in terms of its considerable impact on the heritage quality of the church and its immediate surrounds.
This development is on the border of Lane Cove and Willoughby.
Willoughby City Council raised the following concerns about the development:
Heritage Impacts – Willoughby City Council considers the proposal will impact the heritage quality of the church and should be referred to the Heritage Council for their advice.
Overdevelopment – Willoughby City Council is of the view the current plans are likely to result in overdevelopment of the site.
Use of Church – It was noted in the DA that the church could still be used for community events. Willoughby City Council was concerned there was not enough parking for community use.
Loss of Trees
What is the Next Step?
The Lane Cove Council is in the process of considering the Development Application and the public comment feedback.
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