Thompson Health Care Pty Limited v Ku-ring-gai Council

Thompson Health Care Pty Limited v Ku-ring-gai Council - [2020] NSWLEC 1363 - NSWLEC 2020 case summary — Zoe

[5]

Contextual note

There have been a number of changes to the proposal since the lodgement of the appeal and filing of original contentions by Council. The most notable is the deletion of one storey, and reduction in bed numbers from a total of 133 beds down to the now proposed 99. The more notable amendments include: (1) reducing the height and scale of the building, (2) introducing various changes to landscaping and fencing, (3) privacy treatments to certain accommodation windows, and (4) certain other changes to mitigate against loss of amenity for neighbours. In light of the amendments to the application, for which the Court has granted leave, the experts providing sworn evidence in the case have come to an agreed position that the application adequately addresses all of the contentions raised by Council otherwise suggested as providing cause for the Court to refuse the application. In light of the expert evidence, Council determined that it would no longer press the contentions, noting that this position was on the basis of certain agreed conditions applying to any consent (Ex 8).
As indicated by Preston CJ in Botany Bay City Council v Pet Carriers International Pty Ltd (2013) 201 LGERA 116; [2013] NSWLEC 147 ('Pet Carriers') at [101], "ordinarily, the Court determines the proceedings on the substantive issues joined between the parties". Nonetheless the Court, in stepping into the shoes of the consent authority, can identify matters which it believes warrant further attention in proceedings. There is a need for due notice to be given to the parties were this to occur (ibid, and Initial Action Pty Ltd v Woollahra Municipal Council (2018) 236 LGERA 256; [2018] NSWLEC 118 ('Initial Action') at [126]-[133]). Of relevance here is that, following public notification, the proposal was subject to many submissions objecting to its approval, both in its original form and following the amendments. Notwithstanding the agreed position of the parties, it is necessary and appropriate that I give consideration to these submissions in the evaluation of the application before me (s 4.15(1)(d) of the EPA Act). During the hearing, I had the opportunity to interrogate the experts in regard to certain issues raised in lay submissions and, as explained below, received new evidence in regard to certain matters of which I gave notice to the parties.
There were also significant jurisdictional considerations raised in this matter. The proposal would contravene the three development standards relating to height contained at cl 40(4) of the SEPP. As explained below, there is power available to a consent authority, and the Court in this instance, to consent to development, notwithstanding such contraventions. However, this requires the Court, and in this case myself, to form positive opinions of satisfaction directly. Written evidence, and my examination of the experts, informed me in regard to the forming of such opinions, relevantly.
In the consideration of issues, I first address the jurisdictional questions and then turn to the examination of the issues raised by objectors.

[6]

Jurisdictional consideration - contravention of development standards

Clause 40(4) of the SEPP provides as follows: …. Height in zones where residential flat buildings are not permitted If the development is proposed in a residential zone where residential flat buildings are not permitted - (a) the height of all buildings in the proposed development must be 8 metres or less, and Note. Development consent for development for the purposes of seniors housing cannot be refused on the ground of the height of the housing if all of the proposed buildings are 8 metres or less in height. See clauses 48 (a), 49 (a) and 50 (a). (b) a building that is adjacent to a boundary of the site (being the site, not only of that particular development, but also of any other associated development to which this Policy applies) must be not more than 2 storeys in height, and Note. The purpose of this paragraph is to avoid an abrupt change in the scale of development in the streetscape. (c) a building located in the rear 25% area of the site must not exceed 1 storey in height.
Residential flat buildings are not permitted in the R3 Medium Density Residential zone, within which the site is located, which means the height controls at cl 40(4) are triggered. The proposal seeks consent for development that would breach all three of the development standards in cl 40(4).
The permissive powers at cl 4.6(2) of the LEP apply here, even though the contravention is related to the SEPP (Ku-ring-gai Council v Pathways Property Groups Pty Ltd [2018] NSWLEC 73).
Clause 4.6(2) of the LEP provides (relevantly): Development consent may, subject to this clause, be granted for development even though the development would contravene a development standard imposed by this or any other environmental planning instrument ...
The permissive power in cl 4.6(2) is subject to the restrictions in cl 4.6(3) and (4): (3) Development consent must not be granted for development that contravenes a development standard unless the consent authority has considered a written request from the applicant that seeks to justify the contravention of the development standard by demonstrating - (a) that compliance with the development standard is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances of the case, and (b) that there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the development standard. (4) Development consent must not be granted for development that contravenes a development standard unless - (a) the consent authority is satisfied that - (i) the applicant's written request has adequately addressed the matters required to be demonstrated by subclause (3), and (ii) the proposed development will be in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the particular standard and the objectives for development within the zone in which the development is proposed to be carried out, and (b) the concurrence of the Planning Secretary has been obtained. (5) In deciding whether to grant concurrence, the Planning Secretary must consider - (a) whether contravention of the development standard raises any matter of significance for State or regional environmental planning, and (b) the public benefit of maintaining the development standard, and (c) any other matters required to be taken into consideration by the Planning Secretary before granting concurrence.
The Court must form two positive opinions of satisfaction under cl 4.6(4)(a) to enliven the permissive power under cl 4.6(2) to grant development consent notwithstanding the contravention (Initial Action at [14]). The first opinion is in regard to a written request from the applicant seeking to justify the contravention of the development standard and, specifically, whether it has adequately addressed the two matters required to be demonstrated at cl 4.6(3). The second opinion requires me to make my own finding of satisfaction that the proposed development will be in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the particular standard and the objective of the zone in which the development is proposed to be carried out.
To open the gate to the application of these permissive powers, mindful of cl 4.6(3) of the LEP, the applicant has prepared three written requests seeking to justify the contraventions of these development standards. The three written requests are attached to a supplementary Statement of Environmental Effects prepared by Boston Blyth and Fleming and dated 16 July 2020. This document is marked Exhibit O in the tendered written evidence. To be clear the written requests were also prepared by Boston Blyth and Fleming. For convenience, I will refer to the written requests as follows:

The written request seeking a variation of the development standard for building height at cl 40(4)(a) of the SEPP will be referred to as WR1.
The written request seeking a variation of the development standard for building height at cl 40(4)(b) of the SEPP will be referred to as WR2.
The written request seeking a variation of the development standard for building height at cl 40(4)(c) of the SEPP will be referred to as WR3.

[8]

Whether compliance unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances of the case

According to Wehbe v Pittwater Council (2007) 156 LGERA 446; [2007] NSWLEC 827 ('Wehbe') (at [42]-[51]), and as confirmed in Initial Action, establishing that the objective of a development standard has been achieved notwithstanding non-compliance with the standard is one way of demonstrating that compliance with the development standard is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances of the case. It is this first and "most commonly evoked" (Wehbe at [42]) "way", which is adopted in WR1.
There are no specific objectives nominated for the development standards at cl 40(4) of the SEPP. In regard to cl 40(4)(a), WR1 relied on the objectives of cl 4.3 of the LEP, as follows: (a) to ensure that the height of development is appropriate for the scale of the different centres within the hierarchy of Ku-ring-gai centres, (b) to establish a transition in scale between the centres and the adjoining lower density residential and open space zones to protect local amenity, (c) to enable development with a built form that is compatible with the size of the land to be developed.
I am satisfied with the adoption of this process; that is, the use of the objectives to cl 4.3 of the LEP as a means of understanding the ends sought by the development standard at cl 40(4)(a) of the SEPP. This is because the objectives to cl 4.3 of the LEP are concerned with the "end" of achieving reasonable height of buildings for a development, and cl 40(4)(a) of the SEPP has essentially the same aim.
In regard to objectives (a) and (b) in cl 4.3 of the LEP, WR1 relies on the height controls under the LEP applying to the site, which permit 11.5m high buildings. The argument is that buildings of up to 11.5m height represent the height anticipated for development on this site and, as the proposal does not reach that controlling height, the proposal's height would be deemed to be in alignment with the objectives of cl 4.3 of the LEP relating to: (a) the scale of development at this site as part of a "centre", and (b) the transition in scale between the centre and adjoining lower density areas. In regard to objective (c) in cl 4.3 of the LEP, WR1 refers to the site as involving the consolidation of parcels which is suggested as facilitating the provision of side and rear building setbacks which exceed that which would be required under the DCP controls. In particular it is argued that the contravening portion of the building is setback some 12m from side and rear (western) boundaries, whereas the DCP envisages 6m side and rear setbacks (3m for non-habitable rooms) (p12). The arguments put in the written request satisfactorily demonstrate that the objectives to cl 4.3 of the LEP are achieved with the building height as proposed.
Given my findings directly above, and at [29], I am satisfied that strict compliance with the height standard at cl 40(4)(a) of the SEPP is unreasonable and unnecessary in the circumstances of the case

[9]

Whether sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the development standard

Mindful of Initial Action (at [24]), the focus for consideration of the sufficiency of environmental planning grounds is that aspect of the development which contravenes the standard. WR1 refers to four environmental planning grounds. In this judgment it is sufficient for me to rely on two of these.
WR1 provides an indication of the implications of the reduction of floor space available where the contravening element of the proposal be excluded (p14): "(Compliance with the SEPP Seniors' 8m height of buildings control) would necessitate the deletion of approximately 22 resident rooms across 2 levels representing a reduced bed yield of 22.2%. Such reduction would also represent a loss of approximately 825 square metres of floor space reducing the GFA to 5065 square metres and an FSR of 0.858:1. Such FSR would be well below the clause 48(b) SEPP HSPD "cannot refuse" density and scale standard of 1:1."
As a first planning ground, WR1 refers to document published by NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resource produced document titled "A guide for councils and applicants - Housing for seniors or people with a disability, SEPP (Seniors Living) 2004," dated May 2004. WR1 indicates that (at p9) this document refers to a stated intention of the SEPP to particularly encourage residential care facilities (as opposed to other types of seniors housing) by facilitating development at an FSR of 1:1 (p9). The suggestion is that strict compliance with the height of buildings standard would thwart the intention of development incentives otherwise encouraged in the SEPP, thus discouraging the provision of residential care accommodation. To round out this first environmental planning argument, WR1 then suggests strict compliance would not accord with object 1.3(c) of the EPA Act which is: to promote the orderly and economic use and development of land
As a second planning ground, WR1 refers to demographic evidence which indicates a particular local demand for accommodation of this form. WR1 refers to a document called "Ku-ring-gai Council local strategic planning statement" and supplied certain excerpts from it. According to WR1, and not disputed, the statement (adopted by Council on 17 March 2020) indicates that the Ku-ring-gai population has a high proportion of 65+ and 85+ population groups as compared to the North district and greater Sydney region. For example, there is an indication that people aged 85 years and over make up 3.2% of the Ku-ring-gai population compared to 1.8% of the greater Sydney region. There is also an indication of continuing growth of the population aged 65 and over.
WR1 indicates that, while the proposal would currently provide for 99 high care beds to assist in meeting suggested identified demand, compliance with the height of building standards would reduce that level of supply by 22 beds. This was seen to be directly contrary to the aims of the SEPP which include at cl 2(1)(a): (a) to increase the supply and diversity of residences that meet the needs of seniors or people with a disability
I am satisfied with the substance of the grounds raised in WR1 and adjudge them as sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the 8m height standard at cl 40(4)(a) of the SEPP.
It follows that I am satisfied with respect to cl 4.6(4)(a)(i) of the LEP because WR1 has adequately addressed the matters required to be demonstrated under cl 4.6(3) of the LEP.

[10]

Whether development in the public interest because of consistency with the objectives of the particular standard and the objectives for development within the zone

In regard to the objectives behind cl 40(4)(a) of the SEPP, I adopt the finding above (at [28]-[30]), where I consider the same question in light of the content of the written request.
I now turn to the question of consistency with the zone objectives. There are four nominated objectives for the R3 Medium Density Residential zone in the LEP, as follows: • To provide for the housing needs of the community within a medium density residential environment. • To provide a variety of housing types within a medium density residential environment. • To enable other land uses that provide facilities or services to meet the day to day needs of residents. • To provide a transition between low density residential housing and higher density forms of development.
In regard to the first objective, the proposal would clearly provide for the housing needs of seniors and people with disabilities within a medium density residential environment. In regard to the second objective, the proposed housing form here is a high care residential facility adding to the variety of available accommodation types in that medium density environment. The third objective is not relevant to this application. In my opinion, the fourth objective is best seen as an explanatory objective, similar to that described in Baron Corporation Pty Limited v Council of the City of Sydney [2019] NSWLEC 61 ('Baron') at [32]. It is explaining the R3 Medium Density Residential zone's juxtaposition with the R2 Low Density Residential zone and R4 High Density Residential zone. The proposal would contribute to the achievement of this zone objective and provides an appropriate transition to the R2 Low Density Residential zoned land nearby.
I am satisfied that the proposed development will be in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the standard and the objectives for development within the R3 zone. I am therefore satisfied regarding cl 4.6(4)(a)(ii) of the LEP.
Given my findings directly above, and at [38], the requirements to enable the permissive powers of cl 4.6(2) of the LEP, in terms of the contravention of the cl 40(4)(a) of the SEPP, have been met.

[12]

Whether compliance unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances of the case

WR2 also adopts the first Wehbe way to attempt to demonstrate that compliance is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances of the case. That is, because the objectives of the development standard are achieved notwithstanding non-compliance with the standard. As noted above, there are no specified objectives which frame cl 40 of the SEPP. Pertinent here is that the SEPP includes a "note" directly following cl 40(4)(b), and no doubt applicable to that subclause, as follows: Note. the purpose of this paragraph is to avoid an abrupt change in the scale of development in the streetscape.
It seems to me to be entirely reasonable that WR2 adopts the stated "purpose", as detailed within the abovementioned note, as the implicit objective of the standard (p21). In turn it is reasonable for adoption for an analysis under the first Wehbe way.
WR2 responds to this nominated purpose as follows (p29): "The provision of a 2 storey compliant building height and form to the street, consistent with the predominantly 2 storey streetscape established along the western side of Cowan Road, represents a contextually appropriate 2 storey streetscape outcome which avoids an abrupt change in the scale of development in the streetscape. The 3 storey building elements located beyond the front street facing facade alignment occur as the site falls away towards the rear of the property consistent with the 2/ 3 storey stepped building heights established by adjoining development and development generally located along the western side of Cowan Road…"
These arguments satisfactorily demonstrate that cl 40(4)(b) of the SEPP's stated "purpose", of avoiding an abrupt change in scale at the streetscape, is achieved with the building heights as proposed. Given my findings at [47], I am satisfied that WR2 has adequately demonstrated that strict compliance with the 2 storey height standard at cl 40(4)(b) of the SEPP is unreasonable and unnecessary in the circumstances of the case.

[16]

Whether compliance unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances of the case

WR3 also adopts the first Wehbe way to attempt to demonstrate that compliance is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances of the case. That is, because the objectives of the development standard are achieved notwithstanding non-compliance with the standard. As noted above, there are no specified objectives which frame cl 40 of the SEPP.
The written request relied on the findings in Manderrah Pty Ltd v Woollahra Municipal Council and Anor [2013] NSWLEC 1196 ('Manderrah'), where Tuor C found (at [70]) as follows: "The primary objective of cl 40(4)(c) is to limit the bulk and scale of a building to protect the amenity of the rear of adjoining properties. Placing built form into the rear of a property which generally forms part of its open space and adjoins the open space of other properties to the side and rear can have significant impacts on amenity not only from loss of solar access, privacy and views but also from the presence of increased or new building bulk and the removal of landscaping."
The position adopted by Commissioner Tuor in Manderrah has been subsequently accepted by Dickson C in Jigari Pty Ltd v City of Parramatta Council [2018] NSWLEC 1568 at [83]. In light of this I am comfortable in accepting the position of WR3, that the implicit objective of cl 40(4)(c) of the SEPP is to: "limit the bulk and scale of a building to protect the amenity of the rear of adjoining properties".
The written request examined the amenity considerations raised in Manderrah (at [70]) for the properties in the vicinity of the rear of the site:

Pymble Golf Course west of the rear boundary of the site,
The multi storey seniors housing development at No. 52 Cowan Road adjoining the northern boundary of the site, and
The multi storey seniors housing development at No. 30 - 32 Cowan Road adjoining the southern boundary of the site.

WR3 included examination of overshadowing, privacy, views, and visual amenity/bulk/removal of landscaping, with respect to relevant neighbouring properties.
First, I will attend to overshadowing. WR3 provides as follows with respect to overshadowing of the northern adjoining property (p47): "As the rear 25% site area encroaching 2 and 3 storey built form elements are located to the south of the rear open space of the northern adjoining property, the breaching elements will not give rise to any overshadowing impact to this northern adjoining property between 9am and 3pm on 21st June…"
WR3 provides as follows with respect to overshadowing of Pymble Golf Course to the rear (p47): "… some overshadowing will occur to the adjacent golf course however such shadowing will be limited to a relatively small area of the golf course between 9am and approximately 11:30am on 21st June. I note that no shadowing will occur to the club house or other member/ visitor amenities/ facilities at any time on 21st June."
WR3 provides as follows with respect to overshadowing of 30 - 32 Cowan Road (p48): "… all apartments within the senior housing development to the south of the subject site, No. 30-32 Cowan Road, will continue to receive direct sunlight to a living room and/or dining room and to their primary open spaces for at least three hours between 9 AM and 3 PM on 21 June in strict accordance with clause 6C.3 of KDCP…"
The arguments submitted in WR3 are accepted by Council's planning expert (Supplementary Joint Expert Town Planning Report Ex 7) and supported by shadow diagrams provided as an attachment to WR2. The written request demonstrates to me that the proposal, including in regard to this contravention of building height to the rear, provides reasonable protection of the amenity of the rear of adjoining properties insofar as solar access is concerned.
I now turn to privacy. WR3 relies on a number of elements to argue privacy protection notwithstanding the height breach. First, is in regard to the provision of 6m deep soil side setbacks for landscape planting along both side and rear boundary setbacks. Second, is the fact that the 3 storey elements are setback 12m to the side boundary, notwithstanding, the DCP would allow buildings of the same height at a minimum of 6m side boundary setback (DCP cl 6A.3 is cited, which indicates as such for multi dwelling housing). Third, is the provision of fixed louvre privacy screens to all two storey side boundary-facing windows located in the rear 25% area. The louvres direct sightlines towards Pymble Golf Course, rather than the residential neighbours. WR3 argues that louvres are unnecessary for the third storey as: (a) this building element is setback 12m to side boundaries, and (b) the "green roof" forms on the middle level limits downward views to the rear open space of adjoining properties on both sides. A line of sight diagram, indicating this limitation as far as Unit 1 in 30-32 Cowan Road is concerned, is provided (WR3, p42).
These arguments indicate a number of features of the proposal which seem to me, together, to ably address a concern that the privacy enjoyed by adjoining residents would be unreasonably impacted upon as a consequence of the height contravention in the rear 25% area. Rather, the proposal provides reasonable protection of the amenity of the rear of adjoining properties insofar as privacy is concerned.
WR3 then moves onto view loss. It argues that it is clear from the analysis of view corridors that the rear 25% encroachment of two and three storey building forms would not bring about any significant impact. I agree that existing views are dominated by the Pymble Golf Course and these would be retained despite the contravention.
WR3 then groups the following as a single topic for consideration in regard to the protection of amenity of the rear of adjoining properties: visual amenity/bulk/removal of landscaping. I now turn to it.
WR3 argues that amenity is protected in regard to this topic, which might be seen as centred on the effects of the visual bulk of the building from the rear of adjacent properties, notwithstanding the height contravention because: (a) the LEPs building height controls already allow building bulk of this scale, (b) side and rear building setbacks are compliant or exceed (in regard to the third storey) DCP requirements for similar buildings, and (c) certain intervening hedge screening is retained and there is otherwise considerable landscaping proposed along both side and rear boundaries. It seems to me that this neutral or positive comparison of the proposed (contravening) building's visual configuration for the rear 25% of the site, with that which might be expected of other residential buildings under current planning controls, coupled with positive landscaping screening arrangements intended on the site, is a reasonable way to demonstrate that amenity of adjoining properties to the rear is protected in regard to visual bulk, notwithstanding the contravention of cl 40(4)(c) of the SEPP.
To conclude on this point, firstly, I am satisfied that, in this instance, the grouping of issues adopted for consideration in WR3 adequately covers the essential issue of amenity as raised in the adopted implicit objective in relation to cl 40(4)(c) of the SEPP. I have found satisfaction, with regard to the arguments put, that protection of the amenity of the rear of adjoining properties would occur notwithstanding the height contravention in the rear 25% of the site. Or put another way, the written request has established to my satisfaction that the implied objective of cl 40(4)(c) of the SEPP has been achieved with the proposal notwithstanding the non-compliance. I am satisfied that WR3 has adequately demonstrated that compliance with cl 40(4)(c) of the SEPP is unreasonable and unnecessary in the circumstances of this particular case.

[20]

Overdevelopment

Concerns were raised about the size and scale of the development. For example, it was noted that the proposal occupied three individual parcels of land compared to other accommodation generally occupying a single site. Due to its scale, the proposal was seen to be inconsistent with the desired character of the area. The height contraventions, considered above, and floor space of the development, were also seen to be adverse factors. A further factor was what was seen as an exceedance of the landscape area control in the SEPP. Clause 48(c) provides that "if a minimum of 25 square metres of landscaped area per residential care facility bed is provided", then a development application for a residential care facility could not be refused on the basis of "landscaped area". The argument put was that compliance with this control would result in a scaling back of the development to a more appropriate level.
The planning and urban design experts were in agreement that the proposed scale of the development is satisfactory (planning experts were G Boston for the applicant and P Johnston for Council, urban design experts were R Olsson for the applicant and M Zanardo for Council).
Having reviewed the written evidence and examined the oral evidence in the hearing, it is clear to me that these experts have considered this question closely. Their position might be summarised as follows: (1) the proposal more than complies with the otherwise height, FSR and building setback controls applying to the site under the LEP for similar permissible development (such as multi dwelling housing), (2) the proposal generally provides for 6m deep soil at side and rear setbacks, and appropriate landscape treatment along these boundaries (a response which may not always be expected under existing controls for similar permissible development), and (3) there are appropriate arrangements for dealing with amenity considerations, a matter which is considered below.
I accept the evidence of the experts in regard to the scale of the development. I do not see the proposal as an overdevelopment of the site and agree with the experts that the consolidation of the three blocks of land are a factor in delivering the capacity for high standard edge landscape treatment, as is proposed. There is no requirement to provide a landscaped area of 25m2 per bed under the SEPP. I mention that I accept the argument put by the applicant's experts that the intended large "internalised" landscaped courtyard (not included in the landscaped area calculation) could be expected to be a well-used recreational aspect of the facility, and I am not inclined to view that the proposal is deficient in the landscaped area.

[22]

Visual privacy

Neighbours to both north and south of the site raise concern about visual privacy. The concern was that residents of the proposal would look out into windows and private courtyards on all levels of the adjoining developments. Neighbours suggested there was at least a need for either privacy screens or the placement of obscure glazing on these windows to prevent overlooking.
As indicated above, the proposal provides for fixed privacy louvres on windows at the lower two levels on both north and south facades of the development. The rooms oriented to the west would to be able to look out of over Pymble Golf Course. The proposed screening was detailed in Ex V and provides for 30 degree angled louvres to again direct outlook from rooms on the north and south facades of the development towards the golf course.
Rooms at the upper level located on the north and south facades of the building would not have privacy screens fitted under the proposal. The planning and urban design experts on both sides expressed satisfaction with this arrangement in oral evidence. In considerable alignment with cl 4.6 written requests, there were three factors in the justification: (1) the additional side boundary setback associated with the uppermost level of the development at the rear (approx. 12m from the boundary), (2) the fact that lower levels of adjacent developments would be obscured from these upper rooms by a non-access section of roof on the middle level (the "green roofs"), and (3) the fact that there was an existing side boundary setback to the elevated levels of existing adjoining development (both living areas and decks). In addition, the experts referenced the Apartment Design Guide ('ADG'), under State Environmental Planning Policy No 65 - Design Quality of Residential Apartment Development, which they agreed was accepting of a 12m setback, in similar circumstances, without privacy treatment.
The concern here is principally the elevated properties on either side. I had the opportunity to view from one of these - Unit 5 at 30-32 Cowan Road. A similar situation would arise with respect to others. In fact, many of the elevated apartments in both 52 Cowan Road and 30-32 Cowan Road as well as 28 Cowan Road (albeit to a lesser extent in regard to the latter property), are faced with a situation where there will be a new considerable scale building which has some visual presence when enjoying time on balconies and sometimes within living areas. The question is the reasonableness of the affectation here.
In the examination of this question, the option is available to me to require fixed louvres, or the like, on the windows to upper level rooms on the northern and southern elevations. While I believe such a requirement could provide for some benefit to neighbours in elevated units to the north and south of the proposal, I am not inclined to require it.
It seems reasonable to accept the position adopted in the ADG as a baseline position in regard to acceptability. This is a position adopted by the experts for the case at hand which would not require any fixed louvres. There would need to be something out of the ordinary to require a step away from it. I do not see anything out of the ordinary in this instance. Rather, I am inclined to see the privacy benefit that might be provided by imposing this louvre screening would be secondary, rather than of a major benefit, to these elevated properties. That is, the extent of active overlooking that might occur from these high care rooms into sensitive space within the elevated properties cannot be expected to be great. On the other hand, there would be a considerable benefit to residents of these rooms if they could look out to Pymble Golf Course and trees without the impediment of louvre screens.
There is no reasonable justification in this instance for departure from the position adopted in the ADG and assumed by the experts (which might be assumed would apply with any similar permissible development of the site, and thus be reasonably anticipated). The proposed 12m side boundary setbacks, coupled with the setbacks in place for elevated private spaces next door to the north and south, would deliver reasonable privacy outcomes for the neighbours without a requirement for louvres or obscure glass on the uppermost level of the development.

[23]

Visual bulk

There were also objections from north and south neighbours in regard to the visual bulk of the proposal. I had the opportunity to view from units on both sides. As indicated in my response to WR3, I am comfortable with the building's bulk with respect to the non-compliance with the SEPP's requirement for one storey building height for the rear 25% of a site. I can extend this to the overall visual bulk of the proposal. In a visual sense it is reasonable to compare the proposal with what might be expected of an alternative residential building under current planning controls. Here it could comprise a building taller and with more bulk than that currently proposed. This, coupled with positive landscaping screening arrangements intended on the site, means the amenity of adjoining properties would be protected in regard to visual bulk.
One concern raised was that a 4m wall might be built along the side boundary to the south, as a very imposing structure to neighbours to the south. While the plans before me did not indicate this, at a site visit to Unit 1, 30-32 Cowan Road, some uncertainties on the intended southern boundary treatment configuration became apparent. On the other hand, there was reasonable clarity on the proposed fencing to the northern and rear boundaries (Ex M, DA10).
Leave was granted for amendments to this southern boundary treatment in accordance with a detailed landscape drawing, with which the experts were satisfied (Ex S). Having heard (and read) the objections from this neighbour directly, I am satisfied that a reasonable arrangement is in place. It includes the provision of an open palisade-style fencing entirely on the site, and retention of existing fencing arrangements on the adjoining land to the south, including the existing mass sandstone wall and timber lattice fence. This "staggering" of treatments then includes a hedge on the site. There is already hedging on the neighbouring property to the south at the western end.
While it would not be determinative in any event, I will also mention that in regard to hedges at the northern boundary, a large existing Leyland Green Cypress hedge (Tree reference No 33), located within the site and occupying a good portion of this northern boundary, and expressed as of value to northern neighbours, would be retained (Ex N, DA-101).
For the reasons cited above, I am satisfied in regard to building bulk.

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Judgment (41 paragraphs)

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Cases Cited (12)