An 86-room boarding house complex has been approved in Dee Why after a seven-year planning process and community objections.
Seven-Year Battle Ends in Approval
A long-delayed development application for a boarding house in Dee Why has received approval, clearing the way for an 86-room complex to be built on three consolidated lots between Pittwater and May roads. The approval comes after a court ruling allowed modifications to a previously approved $11.5 million application.
From Rejection to Revision
The original proposal by Supertramp Pty Ltd, lodged in 2018, sought to build 122 rooms. NBC rejected the plan, citing concerns over excessive bulk and scale, deeming it inconsistent with the surrounding area of single-family homes and townhouses.
In 2020, the NSW Land and Environment Court approved a revised version of the project with 80 rooms. A subsequent modification was later granted, allowing an additional six units and bringing the total to 86 rooms.
Project Scope and Developer Background
The complex will consist of five separate buildings ranging from two to four storeys, accommodating approximately 170 lodgers. Each room will include a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom, and lived-in manager units will be included in each block.
The site has already been cleared, and 39 parking spaces are planned along with common areas. Supertramp Pty Ltd, also responsible for the nearby Kallista apartment building, lists local developer Brett Sandvoss as a director.
Community Concerns Remain
Residents have expressed ongoing concerns about traffic congestion, privacy, and noise. Locals noted the site’s position on May Road, a popular shortcut between Pittwater and Warringah roads, as a pressure point for traffic flow.
Submissions to NBC warned of increased parking difficulties and overshadowing of neighbouring homes. Some residents questioned the development’s suitability in a residential setting and the limited supporting infrastructure in the area.
Public Commentary Online
Reactions online were divided. Some users saw the boarding house as a needed response to homelessness and housing affordability, especially for older Australians and people with disabilities. Others criticised the project’s design and location, calling it profit-driven and lacking in community benefit. Concerns about traffic and urban density were also commonly raised.
Next Steps
With approvals finalised, construction is expected to proceed in line with court rulings. The developer has not publicly responded to recent inquiries.
Published 13-Apr-2025