688 Pacific Highway, Chatswood: 26 apartments approved
A 26-apartment development at 688–692 Pacific Highway has approval for homes above retail and commercial space. The scheme replaces the existing buildings beside Kenneth Slessor Park, with basement parking and a rooftop communal area.
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26 residences
Homes above retail and commercial space
- Building
- 6 storeys, with a later-approved services mezzanine
- Street-level uses
- 1 retail tenancy and 1 commercial tenancy
- Parking
- 3 basement levels
- Shared space
- Rooftop communal area
The ground-floor business spaces face Pacific Highway, while housing occupies the upper levels. During the court process, the design lost its top level and gained a larger setback along the southern boundary on its upper floors.
Existing site
The site sits on the western side of Pacific Highway, with Kenneth Slessor Park to the north, Chatswood Public School to the south and residential properties behind it.
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Water-management amendment refused
On 26 October 2026, Council refused a request to change the consent’s water requirements, including removal of a tank-water supply requirement.
Council said the changes could adversely affect groundwater quality entering its stormwater system and the Lane Cove River catchment. Its determination cited water-quality test results, insufficient detail about proposed treatment and the absence of the required agreement to remove WaterNSW conditions.
The decision leaves those requirements in place. It does not overturn the earlier approval for the apartments and commercial space.
Project timeline
Determination
Proposal ApprovedA verified planning decision, including approval, refusal or deferral. An unconfirmed outcome is not treated as approval.
Under Assessment
Assessment following formal lodgement of the development application, including exhibition, responses to submissions and revisions.
- Date not confirmed
Planning Underway
Early planning, including SEARs requests, assessment requirements issued and preparation of the development application.
Planning record: Willoughby City Council, DA-2023/176
Project Details
- Site owner
- Polytec Australia Three Pty Ltd
- Architect for court-approved scheme
- Dickson Rothschild
- Applicant for 2026 modifications
- BMHP Group Pty Ltd
- Assessment authority
- Willoughby City Council
- Original determining authority
- NSW Land and Environment Court
