By ANNA USHER

A major apartment development first flagged by Mosman Collective last year has now entered the formal planning stage, with a development application lodged to demolish four homes on Barry Street, Neutral Bay and replace them with an eight-storey residential building containing 45 apartments.

The proposal for 54–64 Barry Street , submitted by CE Project Ventures, carries an estimated construction cost of $52 million and includes three basement parking levels and a rooftop communal recreation area.

We first reported on early plans for the site during preliminary planning discussions last year. The newly lodged DA now reveals the architectural design, site layout and planning pathway being relied upon to deliver the project.

What we know

The building would comprise:
45 apartments, comprising 6 one-bedroom, 24 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom homes. Three basement levels would provide 62 car spaces, including visitor parking, along with 8 motorcycle spaces and 50 bicycle spaces. Vehicle access would be via a new driveway crossover on Barry Street.

Plans show a rooftop recreation area featuring a swimming pool, landscaped areas and an outdoor kitchen for residents. Ground-level communal open space is also included within the design.

Eight of the apartments – all two-bedroom units – are proposed as affordable housing for a period of 15 years, to be managed by community housing provider Bridge Housing.

Planning documents state this component equates to just over 15% of the building’s gross floor area and enables the development to access additional height and floor space allowances under State housing policy.

Height and planning controls

The DA relies on provisions within the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, which allow residential flat buildings and bonus development standards where affordable housing is provided.

The applicable post-bonus height control is listed as 28.6 metres, however the proposal reaches a maximum height of 31.3 metres, and the applicant has lodged a formal request to vary the height standard.

The total gross floor area is 4,743.93sqm, delivering a floor space ratio of 2.86:1.

Demolition and trees

The application seeks approval to demolish all existing dwellings and remove two trees, including a 14-metre Black Plum tree on the site, to facilitate basement excavation and the new access arrangement.

Site context

The site is not heritage-listed but sits near several heritage items, including St John’s Uniting Church on Yeo Street and the Neutral Bay Fire Station. Planning reports note the area is within walking distance of Military Road shops and major bus services.

Next steps

The development application is now with North Sydney Council and will proceed through assessment and public exhibition before any determination is made.