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Belrose Faces Potential 117-Lodger Boarding House Expansion Amid Local Opposition

A proposal has been submitted to the Northern Beaches Council to expand a boarding house complex in Belrose, which could increase the number of residents on the site to 117.

The development application (DA2024/1256), lodged in late September 2024 by Chatswood-based property construction company Vigor Master on behalf of the landowner, outlines plans to build two new unit blocks on Bundaleer Street.

The proposed $8.75 million development includes 45 single rooms spread across two-storey buildings, which would join an existing boarding house already housing 72 lodgers. The existing complex was established in 2017 on a 1.6-hectare plot in this semi-rural part of the Northern Beaches.

Previous Application and Opposition

The current plan follows a previously rejected application from August 2021, which sought approval for a 31-room boarding house on the same site. In June 2022, the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel refused that application, citing concerns that the project would be an “overdevelopment” of the semi-rural area.

Local residents and community groups have voiced strong opposition to the latest proposal. Neighbours, along with the Belrose Rural Community Association and Garigal Landcare, argue that the expanded development would exceed local housing density limits and disrupt the area’s character. They highlight the importance of maintaining the semi-rural environment, with some residents pointing out that the surrounding bushland serves as a wildlife corridor for native animals.

Bundaleer St Belrose — *Photo Credit: Vigor Master*

One local stated that the existing boarding house was already unsuitable for the area and that they did not want a repeat of this type of large-scale development. He and others argue that the expansion would further strain the area’s housing density controls.

Conny Harris, president of the Belrose Rural Community Association and head of Garigal Landcare, also raised concerns about the environmental impact. In a written statement, she noted that the scale of the proposed development is much larger than other residential properties in the area and is “out of character” with the surrounding community. The site is located opposite Covenant Christian School, adding to concerns about how the development fits within the local setting.

Developer’s Position

Despite the opposition, Vigor Master promotes the existing and proposed boarding houses as “studio apartments” set within a lush bushland environment. According to the developer, the complex offers a balance of natural surroundings and modern amenities.

The documents submitted with the application describe the new unit blocks as including 28 single rooms in one building and 17 in the other, each with communal living spaces and kitchen facilities. Most rooms would also feature private balconies, and 30 parking spaces would be provided in a basement carpark.

Published 23-Oct-2024

Officeworks Opens New Store at HomeCo Belrose as Dee Why Location Set to Close

In a significant move for Northern Beaches shoppers, Officeworks opens its newest 1,800-square-metre store at HomeCo Belrose.

Read: Hikers are Raving About this Hidden Gem in Belrose

The opening comes as the retail giant announces plans to relocate from its iconic Dee Why location. The new store marks the company’s 171st outlet nationwide and reinforces Officeworks’ commitment to sustainable business practices.

Local resident Andrew Mattes, who will manage the Belrose location, emphasised that the recycling station would provide a convenient solution for the community to dispose of both outdated electronics and everyday office supplies, including toner cartridges, pens, and markers.

The retailer’s environmental credentials are impressive, with more than 11,000 tonnes of materials collected through their Bring it Back and tech trade-in programs since 2015.

“By keeping products and materials in use for longer through repair, reuse, and recycling, we can make a positive impact on the environment and transition to a more circular economy,” they stated in their website.

The new location at HomeCo Belrose positions Officeworks within a broader retail precinct specialising in furniture, homeware, furnishings, electronics, home entertainment, and outdoor living essentials. Customers can find the new store on Level 2 of the complex.

This opening, last 23 October, coincides with the planned closure of the Dee Why outlet, currently housed in a heritage-listed building at 800 Pittwater Road.

The 75-year-old former factory building has been a landmark location for Officeworks in the Northern Beaches area. However, the site has been chosen for St Luke’s Grammar School’s new Senior School Campus.

The $20 million campus, which will feature a performing arts theatre and an indoor pool, is anticipated to be complete by 2031.

Read: Terrey Hills Garden Centre to Be Bulldozed for $14-M Redevelopment

For local shoppers, the new Belrose store promises to maintain Officeworks’ comprehensive range of office supplies, technology solutions, and educational resources while introducing enhanced sustainability features.

Published 22-October-2024

From Terrey Hills to Paris: 51-Year-Old Shane Rose Oldest on Team Australia

Photo Credit: shane.rose.eventing/Instagram

Equestrian Shane Rose, who began riding at age five in Terrey Hills, has become the oldest member of Team Australia at 51, securing his spot in the Paris Olympics despite suffering 19 bone fractures in a horrific training accident just four months ago.

In March, Rose was schooling a young horse over jumps at his property in Werombi, southwest of Sydney. The 550kg horse clipped a hurdle, causing Rose to fall and the animal to land on top of him. He was rushed to hospital with multiple injuries, including fractures to his elbow, pelvis, ribs, and spine.

Road to Recovery

Despite the severity of his injuries, Rose never wavered in his determination to compete in Paris. Within days of the accident, he began working on a 100-day rehabilitation plan. After a month of being confined to bed and a wheelchair, Rose moved to Canberra to undergo treatment at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Rose expressed his unwavering positivity to the press, noting that he had only experienced two or three brief moments of doubt during his rehabilitation. He explained that these fleeting concerns about his recovery were quickly replaced by renewed determination, often by the very next day.

Controversial Costume Incident

Prior to this incident, Rose made headlines for a different reason when he rode a horse wearing only boots, a helmet, and a bright orange G-string at a fancy dress show-jumping event. This led to a brief investigation by Equestrian Australia, with Rose temporarily barred from competition.

He explained that his intention was simply to make people laugh. Ultimately, Rose was cleared of any wrongdoing, with Equestrian Australia finding he had not violated any rules. The incident sparked public support for Rose, with some riders posting pictures of themselves in mankinis in solidarity.

Return to Competition

In early June, just 85 days after his accident, Rose made a triumphant return to competition at the Melbourne international three-day event in Werribee. A month later, he was named to the Australian team for Paris.

Shane Rose Terrey Hills Paris Olympics — *Photo Credit: Shane.Rose.Eventing/IG*

Rose’s resilience has impressed medical professionals. He recounted his initial discussion with one of his surgeons, who estimated it would take 10 to 12 weeks before Rose could walk again. Rose admitted that upon hearing this prognosis, he briefly considered seeking a different doctor, highlighting his determination to recover more quickly.

Olympic Aspirations

With two silver medals and one bronze from three previous Olympic Games, Rose remains driven by the pursuit of gold. He acknowledged his competitive nature and his desire to be the best in the world. Rose expressed his hope that Paris would finally bring the elusive gold medal that has so far eluded him and the Australian equestrian team.

Published 14-July-2024

Terrey Hills Garden Centre to Be Bulldozed for $14-M Redevelopment

Sections of a popular Northern Beaches garden centre in Terrey Hills is set to be bulldozed as part of a $14-million redevelopment plan.

Redevelopment Details

In 2023, plant nursery chain, Flower Power, won approval to redevelop its longstanding store at Terrey Hills despite a concerted local community pushback. The revamped complex, known locally as Bond’s Nursery on Mona Vale Rd, will be expanded to include new retail areas such as a fruit shop and pet shop leased to tenants and new cafes.

Terrey Hills Garden Centre — Photo Credit: DA2023/1224

Flower Power, Australia’s largest retail garden centre chain, stated that the massive makeover was prompted by the ageing state of the current building which “no longer met customer needs.” Sections of the current complex, taken over by Flower Power in 1998, would be demolished, according to documents lodged with the development application – DA2023/1224.

Terrey Hills Garden Centre location — *Photo Credit: DA 2023/1224*

Community Concerns

Local residents have been lobbying planning authorities for more than two years to halt the expansion due to concerns about increased traffic and noise, pedestrian safety around nearby Terrey Hills Public School, and negative impacts on the nearby bridle (horse) trail.

An original redevelopment application was lodged in early 2022 but was withdrawn in November of that year. An amended DA was lodged in September 2023 and was approved in June 2024.

There were 83 submissions opposed to the DA. All submissions were received prior to the amended plans and documentation received by Northern Beaches Council in April. In its assessment report, the council noted that the amended plans “represent a lesser environmental impact.”

Local Opposition

Paul Davenport, president of the Terrey Hills Progress Association, wrote in a submission that there were concerns with the effect of increased traffic on residents and the local road network due to the closure of access from Mona Vale Rd. He highlighted that the Myoora Rd driveway was “within metres of a bus stop, used by public and school buses daily, and immediately opposite a primary school.”

David Harris, secretary of the Duffys Forest Residents Association, added that local roads were “not suitable to handle the heavy trucks and a large volume of traffic that will enter and exit the centre”, putting the safety of the entire community, particularly children, at risk.

Impact on Bridle Trail

Duffys Forest resident Leah Walsh expressed concerns with the safety of horses and riders using the bridle trail adjacent to Cooyong Rd.

“As a horse owner, I do not support any modification to the DA that will obstruct the Bridle Trail. I understand that this is proposed to be a temporary measure during redevelopment, however, I do not support any disruption which impacts the safety of horse riders using this trail to access JJ Hills Memorial Reserve Pony Club Grounds.”

Approval and Future Plans

Flower Power stated in DA documents that the existing outlet no longer had sufficient capacity to meet the company’s business model, which “seeks to provide a range of complimentary uses as part of the garden centre.”

The centre will trade from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week, reducing to 5: 30 p.m. during the winter months.

Published 24-June-2024

$40-Million Belrose Development Approved After Long-standing Legal Battle

After an extensive legal battle, the developers of a $40-million residential project in Belrose have received approval, following substantial amendments to the initial proposal.

The Land and Environment Court has finalised a lengthy dispute by sanctioning a scaled-back version of the initially ambitious mixed-use development planned for 28 Lockwood Ave.

The new plan discards elements like the gymnasium and commercial car wash, instead focusing on 49 dwellings and increasing the parking availability to 238 spaces, compared to the previously planned 190.

These changes were instrumental in addressing the council’s concerns over height, bulk, and traffic impact, which initially led to the project’s rejection (DA 2019/1427).

Northern Beaches Council initially refused the development application citing 18 different grounds, predominantly related to the proposed building’s scale and potential impacts on local amenities and public opinion. Significant alterations to the design during the court appeal satisfied the council’s appointed experts, leading to a reassessment and eventual approval by the commissioner.

Despite the legal approval, the development continues to face opposition from the Belrose community. Residents express concerns that the increased dwellings will strain local resources and significantly alter the area’s character.

Here’s a timeline of key events related to the Belrose development saga:

2017

Northern Beaches Council sells the 5,332 sqm block at 28 Lockwood Ave, formerly home to the Belrose Library, to fund a modern library nearby. The site had become an eyesore and was attracting vandalism.

January 2020

The Northern Beaches Council rejected plans for a $44 million redevelopment of the old library site. Platinum Property Advisers’ proposal included a five-storey shop-top project with 51 apartments and a gym. The rejection was due to incomplete proposals and requests to exceed the maximum permitted building height.

April 2020

The initial proposal for the $40 million mixed-use development at 28 Lockwood Ave is submitted, featuring retail space, a gymnasium, a commercial car wash, 51 apartments, and 190 parking spaces.

2020-2023

Prolonged legal and planning disputes, involving multiple amendments and community consultations. The project faced strong opposition from local residents and was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the council.

April 2024

After substantial amendments, the Land and Environment Court approves a modified version of the development plan. The approved plan now includes 49 dwellings and 238 parking spaces, but omits the gymnasium and commercial car wash.
Northern Beaches Council and the Sydney North Planning Panel endorse the amended proposal, after initial refusal based on 18 different grounds concerning the project’s scale and impact on the local community.

The development’s approval marks a contentious but decisive step forward in utilising the 28 Lockwood Ave site.

Published 23-April-2024

Controversy Brews as Terrey Hills Shooting Range Seeks to Extend Hours

Did you know that the Peninsular Firearm Academy in Terrey Hills plans to drastically change the shooting range’s operational hours? After ten years of operation, the Academy wants to expand from one Sunday session per month to five sessions per week, including an evening session, and some locals are not happy with the proposed change.

Under the new plan, the shooting range would be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an extra session on Wednesday nights from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., if authorised. In order to minimise noise disturbances to nearby households, the proposal contains an 85dB noise restriction.

The 500 participants of the Academy would be accommodated and existing site constraints would be addressed in the proposed plan.

The increased use of the facility would put it in line with other outdoor recreational pursuits, including lawn bowls, equestrian sports, skateboarding, and go-karting, according to plans presented to Council.

Neighbours of the range have expressed worries about noise pollution, the consequences it may have on the environment, and possible repercussions on property prices.

Tony Garland, Chairman of the Academy, maintains that the main source of the resistance comes from people who have not even been to the premises and that have been no responses to his requests for residents to view the institution in order to alleviate their concerns.

He said that the Academy is dedicated to encouraging target shooting as a sport and the responsible use of firearms inspite of the controversy.

Christmas Miracle in Terrey Hills: Lost Dog Reunited with Owner in Narrabi

Duke, a spirited 5-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, found himself in unfamiliar territory in Terrey Hills but was eventually reunited with his elderly owner, just in time for Christmas, thanks to the efforts of a dutiful Northern Beaches Council ranger.

The dog’s journey began when he was discovered wandering around The Palms eatery in Terrey Hills on 18 Nov 2023. Taylor, one of the waitstaff on duty that day, took notice of the lost pup and inquired about his owner, yet no one stepped forward.

Compassionately, Taylor and her partner took the dog under their care, temporarily naming him Carlos, and provided him with a loving home until his true family could be located. The couple also reached out on social media as they were committed to reuniting “Carlos” with his rightful owner.

But it was a Council ranger’s persistent efforts that would ultimately solve the mystery. Upon scanning Duke’s microchip, the ranger made an astonishing discovery—it was linked to a landline in Narrabri, over 500+ kilometres away from Northern Beaches.

After five days of trying to get in touch with the dog’s owner, the ranger finally talked to Kevin, 86. He confirmed that Duke had been missing and was utterly baffled by how his furry friend had ventured so far from home.

“Duke didn’t come home around the usual time after he’d gotten out, so I went to his usual spots to have a look,” Kevin recalled.

“I checked the caravan park, which is a usual hot spot of his, but he wasn’t there, so I walked around the streets close to home and couldn’t find him.”

“I didn’t expect him to be all the way down there. I was surprised and shocked that Duke had actually got that far. I thought he’d only get as far as Gunnedah, not Sydney! Someone must have picked him up because he wouldn’t have gone on his own.”

Terrey Hills Jack Russel Duke — Photo Credit: NorthernBeachesCouncil

With the mystery resolved, a new challenge presented itself—how to safely return Duke to his loving home in Narrabri. However, this was a task that Mona Vale Council was more than equipped to handle.

Pet Uber transported Duke to Newcastle, where he stayed with Kevin’s granddaughter for a few days. From there, Duke embarked on the final leg of his journey, as Kevin’s son-in-law drove him back to Narrabri.

As the holiday season approaches, Kevin and Duke are celebrating a heartwarming Christmas reunion. It’s clear that Kevin will be keeping a watchful eye on his adventurous companion in the days to come.

Published 20-Dec-2023

Wakehurst Public School Celebrates ‘Sticking Together’ Victory

Photo Credit: Facebook / Wakehurst Public School

Year 5 and Year 6 students from Wakehurst Public School demonstrated values such as ‘Fair go,’ ‘Mateship,’ ‘Respect,’ and ‘Inclusion’ to clinch a share of $20,000 in classroom prizes from the ‘Sticking Together’ national competition.

Their winning entry spoke volumes about their unity. “What ‘sticks’ us together is how we treat each other,” they wrote. Their words reflected kindness, teamwork, acknowledgment, empathy, and connection within their school community.

Mark Fraser AO CVO, CEO of the National Australia Day Council, praised the Wakehurst Public School students for their depiction of friendship and school camaraderie through their ‘Sticking Together’ entry, part of the ‘Aussie of the Month’ primary school program.

Pilot Pen Australia generously donated classroom stationery prizes valued at $20,000. Jarrad Murray, head of marketing at Pilot Pen Australia, expressed joy in providing these items during challenging times for schools. Their support, spanning almost 20 years, signifies a commitment to educational excellence.

The Aussie of the Month program recognizes outstanding contributions in primary school communities. It applauds students embodying values of respect, inclusion, mateship, and a fair go. The program, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the National Australia Day Council Network, aims to instill positive values among students.

Mark Fraser extended congratulations to the winning students and thanked Pilot Pen Australia for their generous contributions. He emphasized the program’s significance in acknowledging students’ meaningful community contributions.

Aussie of the Month operates from February to November, providing participating schools with materials including certificates, lapel pins, and Pilot Pen stationery prizes. Schools are urged to register early for the 2024 school year at https://www.aussieofthemonth.org.au/register.

Registered schools can look forward to details about the upcoming school competition, launching in term three, with remarkable Pilot Pen prizes up for grabs.

Residents of Belrose can learn more at www.aussieofthemonth.org.au, celebrating unity and fostering values that define the Australian spirit among its youngest citizens.

Published 9-December-2023

Preserving Patyegarang: Opposition Mounts to Belrose Housing Plan

A proposal to build 450 homes on Patyegarang, an Aboriginal-owned land in Belrose, is facing opposition from local leaders who argue the area should be preserved as bushland.

Read: Upgrades at County Road Reserve Left in Limbo

The 71-hectare property, formerly known as Lizard Rock, is owned by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. The council aims to redevelop the land to generate funds to support programs for Aboriginal people across Sydney, including social and affordable housing projects.

However, independent MP Sophie Scamps has urged the NSW government to instead designate Patyegarang as an Indigenous national park. In a submission to NSW Planning, Dr Scamps said the state should either buy the land or agree to a long-term lease so it can become a preservation area that still generates income for Aboriginal people.

The Northern Beaches Council has also voiced strong opposition to the 450-home proposal, citing destruction of bushland and other concerns. The council said the natural area should not be rezoned to make way for a large residential development.

Aerial view of site (Photo credit: Cox Architecture)

Planners defend the housing proposal as an opportunity to significantly contribute to Sydney’s urgent housing supply shortfall.

They said the plans, designed by Cox Architecture call for protecting ancient Aboriginal sites whilst delivering new homes, open spaces and a cultural centre. They said the additional housing units would have a positive impact on housing targets at both the local government area level and broader district level.

Read: Belrose Residents Fight Proposed Boarding House Modifications Anew

As Sydney grapples with a housing affordability crisis, the opposing visions for the Lizard Rock land have set up a debate over conservation versus development. Aboriginal leaders aim to lift their communities through land ownership, but some local representatives argue this natural area warrants preservation over profiteering. The dispute may ultimately fall to the state government to resolve.

Published 28-November-2023

Upgrades at County Road Reserve Left in Limbo

Plans to upgrade the sporting facilities at the County Road Reserve in Belrose have been indefinitely postponed, leaving local clubs and residents disappointed.

Read: New Wyatt Avenue Bike Park Opens in Belrose

The $6 million project, announced in September 2021, was set to deliver improved amenities to the site, including new changerooms, parking, playground equipment and walking trails.

However, a spokesperson for the Department of Planning and Environment has confirmed the project is now on hold due to “cost escalations from the pandemic.”

Artist’s impression of now halted plans for County Road Reserve (Photo credit: Arcadia Landscape Architecture)

According to Wakehurst Football Club president Greg Dick, the club uses County Road Reserve as its home ground but has no proper facilities. Without change rooms or toilets, players are forced to change outside and relieve themselves in nearby bushes. This prevents the club from hosting women’s matches at the site.

Mr Dick said the club was hoping to have additional facilities and pitches at the reserve for their growing women’s team and in preparation for the Women’s World Cup. But it appears they will have to continue making do with the current lack of amenities for now.

The project was set to be funded under the NSW Government’s Parks for People program for park upgrades across Sydney. The Belrose reserve was announced as one of eight initial sites for investment, with draft plans even developed and put on public display.

These plans, prepared by Arcadia Landscape Architecture, included new unisex changerooms, upgraded playing surface, playground, walking trail, barbecue area and 40-bay carpark.

Photo credit: Arcadia Landscape Architecture

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the council would continue advocating for the State Government to fully fund the project, calling the reserve a vital community facility that lacks even basic amenities for clubs and families.

Read: Hikers are Raving About this Hidden Gem in Belrose

Published 22-November-2023