Graphic courtesy NST

The hotel proposed at 475-501 Victoria Ave. Chatswood  has been approved. It will have 156 rooms and be 15 storeys high (the surrounding buildings are 14 storey). The planners who recommended and approved the application expressed the view  providing more commercial space near the train station was in the public interest.

The new development will include a 13m lap pool, restaurant and three conference rooms. The underground carpark at the site would be retained but its capacity reduced from 365 spaces to 291. Parking will also be provided for 98 bicycles.

Willoughby Council staff had recommended the plans be approved, subject to some technical conditions.

Eleven 11 submissions from the public had raised concerns about height, view loss and shadowing.