Ku-ring-gai panel refuses Pymble mixed-use project over drainage and easement issues

Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel has refused development consent for a mixed-use commercial project at 4-10 Bridge Street, Pymble, in a unanimous vote on 1 June 2026. The proposal covered demolition of the existing structures, a basement car park and a specialised retail and office building.

The application, eDA0462/25, was refused on the basis that the panel did not have a full package of architectural drawings or the final stormwater design. The panel said three amended drawings lodged after an earlier deferral were schematic and did not provide enough detail to show the final form of the development.

Stormwater was the main sticking point. The panel said the submitted DRAINS model did not address the condition and capacity of the infrastructure on the adjoining property that the site’s stormwater system would connect to. It also said the amended application had not shown the proposed stormwater management system would avoid, minimise or mitigate adverse impacts on adjoining properties.

The minutes said the CCTV investigation did not traverse the entire pipeline within the easement, so it could not be determined whether the pipe was in good working order and able to hydraulically service the development. The panel also noted significant collapse in the existing stormwater pipe, with clarification still needed on the diameter of the constructed pipe within the easement.

Works would also be required within the adjoining Bunnings site to remove and replace the existing pipe. The panel said owners’ consent from the strata corporations of burdened properties had not been provided, and further CCTV investigation was needed after obstructions at Pit 2 caused blockages and upstream ponding.

The applicant returned with amended drawings and supplementary reports after a previous deferral on 16 March 2026. The panel said the final design response, including streetscape impacts, was not presented, and that a deferred commencement consent was not open to it because of the uncertainty around the design outcome and the lack of architectural drawings.

The panel said the site’s renewal was supported and was consistent with Council’s intended direction for the Pymble Business Park, but a full assessment was not possible without adequate detail. It said further deferral was not appropriate given the direction already provided to the applicant and the lack of a detailed response.

The amended application had been notified in accordance with Council’s Community Participation Plan, but no submissions were received. The meeting closed at 1.50pm.

Michael Wiseman of Fife Capital, Christophe Charkos of Urbis and Kevin Lynn-Black of Reid Campbell addressed the panel on the item.