Willoughby City Council
31 Victor Street, Chatswood NSW 2067
Attention: The General Manager / Assessing Planner
Date: 1 July 2026
Submission objecting to Development Application No. DA-2026/218
Subject land: 8 Sample Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067
Proposal: Demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of an attached dual occupancy over three levels with basement parking and Torrens title subdivision.
I make this submission as the owner of the adjoining property at 10 Sample Avenue, Chatswood, and object to the application on the planning grounds below. I ask that the application be refused or substantially amended.
Grounds of submission
1. Height of buildings (Willoughby LEP 2012, Clause 4.3)
The site is subject to a maximum building height under the LEP height-of-buildings map. The roof ridge and lift overrun shown on the advertised plans appear to breach that development standard. No Clause 4.6 written request to vary the standard has been exhibited, and the objectives of the standard — protecting the scale and character of the low-density streetscape — are not met.
2. Floor space ratio and bulk (LEP Clause 4.4)
The gross floor area results in an FSR at or above the mapped maximum once the basement and upper level are correctly measured. The resulting bulk is excessive for the lot and inconsistent with the desired future character of the R2 Low Density Residential zone (Clause 2.3 zone objectives).
3. Solar access and privacy (Willoughby DCP; Apartment Design Guide principles)
The three-level southern wall and elevated terraces will reduce solar access to the north-facing living areas and principal private open space of my property below the DCP minimum of three hours between 9am and 3pm on 21 June. Upper-level windows and the rear terrace also allow direct overlooking of my rear yard and habitable rooms, contrary to the DCP visual privacy controls, and no adequate screening or offset is provided.
4. Setbacks and streetscape (DCP Part C — Residential controls)
The side and rear setbacks are less than the DCP numerical controls, leaving inadequate separation to the boundary and insufficient deep-soil planting. This erodes the landscaped setting the controls are intended to preserve and worsens the amenity impacts above.
5. Parking, access and traffic
Sample Avenue is a narrow local street with high on-street parking demand. The proposed basement access and on-site parking provision should be confirmed against the DCP rates, and the swept paths for entry and exit in a forward direction verified, to avoid unsafe reversing manoeuvres onto the street.
Requested outcome
I request that Council refuse the application, or require it to be amended to comply with the height and FSR standards, DCP setbacks, and solar-access and privacy controls. Please notify me of the determination. I note my right to be heard should the matter proceed to the Land and Environment Court.
Yours faithfully,
[Objector name]
10 Sample Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067