Willoughby City Council is calling for a compromise for the development of the 28000 square metre Channel Nine site in an effort to obtain an appropriate outcome for the site, and local community. 

The Channel Nine Part 3A Concept Plan, currently on public exhibition, proposes up to 600 dwellings made up of apartments and townhouses including an 18 storey tower that will dominate the local skyline. 

The Council is developing a more appropriate solution, to be forwarded to the Department of Planning, that proposes significantly reducing the number of apartments by over 50 per cent and reducing building heights across the site. 

"We are very concerned about the impact that such a large development will have on local residents and the surrounding neighbourhoods of Willoughby, Naremburn and Artarmon. The addition of more than 1000 people to this neighbourhood will result in increased infrastructure, traffic and transport issues," said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly. 

"The suburbs of Artarmon and Willoughby are largely residential neighbourhoods made up of houses, and the supporting infrastructure has been designed to meet this demand, not that of a high rise development. 

"The Artarmon and Willoughby Road intersection has already reached maximum capacity at peak hour, while the Willoughby Road bus service can barely cope as it is. The local schools are also nearing maximum capacity and will not be able to accommodate the additional families likely to move into the development," he said. 

The applicant submitted artist impressions of the proposed development which shows the extent of the visual impact. 

"Having talked to local residents it is clear that many members of the community are aware of the enormity of the development and its potential impact on the community, while those who have viewed the plans are very concerned," said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly. 

"I want to ensure residents fully understand what it proposed, as this is their only opportunity to have a say on the future of their neighbourhood," he said.

The community can comment by making a submission on the Department of Planning website under Major Projects Register. 

The development is currently open for public comment, and will be assessed by the NSW Department of Planning. Willoughby City Council is preparing a submission with input from local residents.

The community can view the plans at Willoughby City Council's Administration Building, Level 4, 31 Victor Street, Chatswood until Friday 17 May, 2013.

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