The original FSR sought by the proponent was 16:1 but this was reduced significantly to be consistent with nearby sites. The final height will be informed by design considerations including how the development responds to the Parish Hall and solar access requirements. 

The initial proposal by the Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney sought to de-list the locally heritage listed St John’s Parish Hall to facilitate a larger redevelopment building footprint for the northern development site. This was not supported by the Planning Department at gateway, which advised the future of the Parish Hall should be a matter determined through the DA process.  

A site-specific development control plan guides two development options with respect to the Parish Hall: 

• Option A – Parish Hall is demolished and the northern commercial tower be built on part of the area currently containing the hall and the remainder of the hall footprint to be an extension of the open space of the Cathedral.
• Option B – Parish Hall is partially retained (original 1910 structure) and the commercial tower be extended to within 3-metres of the retained portion of the hall. 

Option A is the proponent and Council’s preferred option, which is supported by a planning agreement that includes an offer of public access to St John’s grounds in perpetuity to Council. This is considered a significant public benefit.