When does it make sense to obscure a neighbor’s Harbor Bridge view?
The commissioner noted that the view from the first property did not meet the definition of an “iconic view”, although it was clearly appreciated by the resident.
A ‘before’ photo submitted to North Sydney Council showing the expected impact of the redevelopment of 107 High Street on the view of a neighboring property.Credit: North Sydney Council
“Given its partial nature, I’m not convinced that it would be readily recognizable as the Sydney skyline,” Dickson stated.
Photo showing the likely obstructed view from the first High Street property that will be affected by the new development.Credit: North Sydney Council
“In my estimation, the impact of the proposed development on views is the most moderate.”
At the second property, the commissioner noted that there was “a view of Sydney CBD’s iconic skyline, which includes the Harbor Bridge”, visible primarily from the master bedroom but also from a side window in the living room.
A ‘before’ photo submitted to North Sydney Council showing the expected impact of the redevelopment of 107 High Street on the view of a neighboring property.Credit: North Sydney Council
“I think it’s a recognizable view group, especially at night,” Dickson said.
Dickson accepted: “The proposed development will remove the existing view of the pylons and most of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and half of the Crown Tower, but retain the top section of the Sydney Harbor Bridge arch.”
Photo showing the likely obstructed view from the living room of the second property once the new building is constructed.Credit: North Sydney Council
“While the proposal will undoubtedly result in loss of visibility [two neighbouring properties in] … High Street, my assessment of the views affected and where they came from, the magnitude of the impact and the adequacy of the proposal imposing the impact leads me to conclude that the loss of views caused by the development is reasonable,” said the commissioner found.
“I think that the planned development is designed and designed in such a way that it enables the exchange of views.”
Dickson said that “I believe a redevelopment of the existing two-story building on the site is foreseeable” and gave the building permit with conditions.
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