The commissioner found the view from the first property did not meet the definition of an “iconic view, despite it being clearly valued by the resident”.
A “before” photo submitted to North Sydney Council about the anticipated impact on a neighbouring property’s views of the redevelopment of 107 High Street.Credit: North Sydney Council
“Given its partial nature I am not persuaded it would be readily recognisable as the city skyline of Sydney,” Dickson found.
Photo showing the likely blocked-out view from the first property in High Street, which will be affected by the new development.Credit: North Sydney Council
“In my assessment the impact of the proposed development on the views is at its highest moderate.”
At the second property, the commissioner found there was “a view of the iconic Sydney CBD skyline of which the Harbour Bridge is an element”, which was visible chiefly from the master bedroom but also from a side window in the living room.
A “before” photo submitted to North Sydney Council about the anticipated impact on a neighbouring property’s views of the redevelopment of 107 High Street.Credit: North Sydney Council
“In my assessment it is a recognisable view assemblage, in particular at night,” Dickson said.
Dickson accepted “the proposed development will remove the existing view of the pylons and most of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as half of the Crown tower but will retain the topmost section of the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge”.
Photo showing likely blocked-out view from the living room of the second property once the new development is constructed.Credit: North Sydney Council
“While the proposal unquestionably results in view loss to [two neighbouring properties in] … High Street, my assessment of the views affected, and from where they are obtained, the extent of impact and the reasonableness of the proposal imposing the impact leads me to conclude the view loss arising from the development is reasonable,” the commissioner found.
“I find the proposed development is sited and designed to enable the sharing of views.”
Dickson said that “in my view redevelopment of the existing two-storey building on the site is foreseeable” and granted development consent subject to conditions.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.