Artistic Impression by Contreras Earl Architecture
Seashell submitted a development application to Inner West Council in August 2024 for an 8-storey mixed-use project at 37-39 Fisher Street, Petersham. The proposed structure aims to replace two single-storey dwellings with a building that includes commercial spaces, affordable housing, and parking provisions. Located in an urban area with access to public transport, the development aligns with zoning objectives to encourage residential and commercial uses near transit hubs.
High-Level Summary of the Proposal
The application seeks approval to demolish existing structures on the site for a shop-top housing development, meeting the E1 Local Centre zoning requirements. The zoning allows for mixed-use projects to promote both housing and economic activity. However, the proposal includes two notable variations: a 26.7% increase in building height and a 30.7% increase in floor space ratio (FSR) beyond the standards set in the Inner West Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2022. These increases would require approval under Clause 4.6 to justify the departures from base LEP standards.
Key aspects of the development include a health services facility on the ground floor and 25 residential units from Levels 1 to 7, with 12% of the floor area allocated to affordable housing under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021. This component addresses the need for affordable housing within Petersham. Three basement levels provide parking for residents, visitors, and health service clients.
Artistic Impression by Contreras Earl Architecture
Breakdown of Development Components
- Height and Density Variations:
- Height: The proposed height of 28 metres exceeds the 22.1-metre limit permitted under the Housing SEPP, requiring a Clause 4.6 variation.
- FSR: With an FSR of 3.74:1, the development exceeds the 2.86:1 ratio allowed for this site. This increase accommodates the project’s mix of residential and commercial spaces while fulfilling affordable housing requirements.
- Residential Composition:
- The 25 residential apartments are distributed across Levels 1 to 7, featuring a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Specifically, the layout includes two one-bedroom apartments, twenty-two two-bedroom apartments, and a single three-bedroom apartment on the top level.
- Four units (two on Level 1 and two on Level 2) are designated as affordable housing, comprising 12% of the floor area. This allocation meets Housing SEPP requirements for affordable housing.
- Ground Floor and Accessibility:
- The ground floor includes a 228-square-metre health services facility with six consultation rooms, an office, and associated amenities. This commercial component may provide services and employment opportunities for the area.
- The location, approximately 300 metres from Petersham train station and near bus stops, provides accessible options for residents and visitors.
- Parking and Amenities:
- Three basement levels feature 34 parking spaces, including six disabled spaces for residential use, as well as additional motorcycle and bicycle parking. Medical visitors will have access to four dedicated parking spaces, including one disabled spot. Residential amenities include private storage for each unit and visitor bicycle spaces.
- A rooftop communal space on Level 7 provides 79 square metres for recreational use with city views and direct sunlight, designed as an amenity for residents in a high-density area.
Compliance and Setbacks
While the development exceeds base height and FSR controls, it complies with several key standards, such as cross-ventilation, solar access, apartment size, and parking provisions under the Apartment Design Guide (ADG). The design incorporates recessed balconies and landscaped spaces to mitigate the appearance of bulk and harmonise with nearby structures and the streetscape.
The building’s setbacks consider nearby structures. On the eastern side, the building is set back from 4 to 7 metres to accommodate the neighbouring Masonic Temple, a heritage-listed building, while the southern rear setback varies from 4 metres at lower levels to 13.5 metres on Level 7. These setbacks aim to minimise overshadowing and maintain privacy for adjacent properties.
Project Team
- Developer: Seashell
- Urban Planner: ABC Planning Pty Ltd
- Architect: Contreras Earl Architecture
- Surveyor: D&C Surveying
- Geotechnical Engineer: STS Geotechnics
- Traffic and Parking Consultant: Loka Consulting Engineers
- Access Consultant: Loka Consulting Engineers
- Landscape Architect: Taylor Bremmer
- Stormwater Consultant: Loka Consulting Engineers
- Waste Management Consultant: Loka Consulting Engineers
- Acoustic Consultant: Renzo Tonin
- BASIX Consultant: SLR Consulting
For more information, search the application number (DA 2024/0874) on the Inner West Council’s website.
