Urban Digest

$76m TOD Residential Proposal on Public Exhibition in Lindfield

February 6, 2026

Architectural plan of the proposed residential development at 9–17 Balfour Street, Lindfield.

A $76 million proposal for a 9–10 storey residential flat building at 9–17 Balfour Street, Lindfield is currently on public exhibition.

TryonRd Development Pty Ltd lodged the application, which seeks approval to redevelop four existing residential lots into a single residential flat building. In doing so, the proposal applies both Transport Oriented Development (TOD) and In-fill Affordable Housing incentives under the Housing SEPP.

Because the estimated development cost exceeds $75 million, the proposal meets the threshold for State Significant Development.

Site and Proposal Overview

Overall, the site has a combined area of approximately 5,678.6sqm and currently contains four detached dwellings. The proposal would replace these dwellings with 121 apartments, including 15 two-bedroom units, 101 three-bedroom units and five four-bedroom units. In addition, the development proposes 28 affordable housing dwellings.

The apartment mix predominantly comprises three-bedroom dwellings, as outlined in the application material.

In terms of scale, the building would reach a maximum height of 33.2 metres and present as 9–10 storeys along Balfour Street. Below ground, the proposal includes three basement levels providing 181 car parking spaces. Meanwhile, the design incorporates 1,457.85sqm of communal open space and 2,263.9sqm of landscaped area. Subject to approval, construction is expected to take approximately 24 months.

Architectural render of the proposed development at 9–17 Balfour Street, Lindfield. — Architectural render of the proposed 9–10 storey residential development at 9–17 Balfour Street, Lindfield.

Planning Context

The proposal benefits from transitional planning provisions. In June 2025, the Planning Secretary issued Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the site, which allow the development to rely on Transport Oriented Development (TOD) provisions under the Housing SEPP. These provisions no longer apply to most land within the Ku-ring-gai local government area.

The site sits within 400 metres walking distance of Lindfield Station. Since November 2025, Ku-ring-gai Council’s Stations Precincts SEPP has guided planning controls in the area and provides for increased residential density on land surrounding the station.

Similarly, a separate State Significant Development application for a 10-storey residential flat building at 19–25 Balfour Street remains under assessment. Together, these applications reflect multiple proposals lodged within close proximity to Lindfield Station.

Heritage Considerations

The site lies within the Balfour Street/Highfield Road Heritage Conservation Area and adjoins several heritage-listed items, including a dwelling at 6 Highfield Road. However, no heritage items are located on the site itself.

To address heritage matters, the proponent submitted a Heritage Impact Statement with the application. The report describes the proposed built form and materials and examines the relationship between the development and the surrounding heritage context. As a result, heritage impacts form part of the matters requiring assessment.

Height Variation

The proposal seeks a Clause 4.6 variation to exceed the applicable height control of 28.6 metres. At its highest point, the building would reach 33.2 metres.

According to the application documentation, the proponent attributes the variation to the sloping topography of the site. Furthermore, the proponent states that the resulting built form and amenity impacts would remain comparable to those of a development that complies with the height standard. The assessment will consider both the extent of the variation and the justification provided.

Affordable Housing

As part of the proposal, the development includes 28 affordable housing dwellings. Specifically, the proposal would retain three dwellings in perpetuity under Transport Oriented Development provisions. In addition, the development would provide 25 dwellings for a period of 15 years under the In-fill Affordable Housing provisions.

A registered community housing provider, Cubic Real Estate, would manage the affordable housing component.

Exhibition and Assessment Process

The application is currently on public exhibition. During this period, members of the public may make submissions on the proposal, including its scale, design, planning framework and supporting technical assessments.

After the exhibition closes, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will consider submissions as part of its assessment. The Department will then refer the application to the Minister for determination.