More than 300 public submissions have been lodged in response to a proposed 13-storey residential development at 47 Darby Street.

The application, submitted by Vivacity Property, seeks approval as a State Significant Development for two buildings.

It would comprise of 113 apartments and a ground-floor retail space on the former Channel 10 site, opposite Newcastle Art Gallery and Civic Park.

Of the 320 submissions received during the public exhibition period, 282 objected to the venture, with concerns largely centred on the scale and height of the development.

Many described the project as out of scale with its surroundings, with one labelling the development “excessively high and bulky” for the site.

The proposed increase from 14 metres to 45 metres was a key matter, too, with residents arguing it would have significant impacts on nearby public spaces, historic landmarks and cultural sites.

Concerns were also raised about inadequate setbacks, increased traffic in an already busy precinct, and how developers plan to address known mine subsidence in the area.

Another submission warned the development would “irreversibly change one of Newcastle’s most culturally and historically significant precincts”.

They argued the height far exceeds existing planning controls and would dominate nearby cultural institutions.

The residents’ trepidation aligns with those raised by the City of Newcastle (CN), which lodged a submission to the NSW Government in February.

In its response, council said it had “significant concerns” about the proposal’s departures from planning controls, particularly building height and floor space ratio.

“The ‘spot rezoning’ approach adopted through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway lacks sufficient strategic justification and does not demonstrate broader planning merit,” it stated.

Council also found the proposed scale “excessive,” warning it would result in “unreasonable and unacceptable impacts”.

In its wrap-up, council claimed that in its current form, it is “not considered to be in the public interest”.

Despite the strong opposition, a smaller number of submissions supported the project, pointing to the need for increased housing in Newcastle.

One said higher density development along Darby Street would support local businesses, improve walkability and make better use of existing infrastructure.

That is given the site’s proximity to shops, cafes and public transport.

Another acknowledged community concerns but argued change was necessary to accommodate the city’s growth.

The submission stated that well-planned higher density developments could ensure expansion occured in appropriate locations.

Supporters also argued the proposal would contribute positively to housing supply and the city’s long-term urban character.

The development application (DA) is being assessed through a streamlined State Significant Development pathway.

It’s overseen by the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority, introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state.

If approved, the project is expected to begin construction in 2028.

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