An application for a high-density 200-unit development in Katoomba has been lodged with the NSW Government and went on public exhibition today.
Blue Mountains City Council is encouraging residents to provide feedback on the proposal for 142–150 Narrow Neck Road by the 30 April deadline.
The proposal includes nine separate buildings up to five storeys in height, 218 residential units with 15% affordable housing, 52 serviced apartments, restaurants and an art gallery.
Mayor, Mark Greenhill – who has previously described the proposed development as “grossly inappropriate” for the area – emphasised that the proposal is being assessed as a State Significant Development under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority, meaning Council does not have a formal decision-making role.
“This is not a Council-led process. Like the community, Council can only make a submission during the exhibition period and advocate for appropriate consideration of local planning controls, environmental protections and community impacts,” Mayor Greenhill said.
Council has identified a number of key concerns with the proposal, including its scale and height, potential bushfire risks, visual impacts on the escarpment and World Heritage landscape, and environmental impacts on the Katoomba Creek catchment.
“This is a significant proposal for Katoomba, and we strongly encourage residents to take the time to review the plans and have their say,” Mayor Greenhill said.
Council is also encouraging residents to raise any concerns regarding community consultation undertaken prior to the lodgement of the application.
“The applicant has indicated that consultation was undertaken with nearby residents in late 2025. If you were not notified, we encourage you to highlight this in your submission,” Mayor Greenhill said.
Council will host a public forum on 23 April at Tibbi Whalan Hall (the old Katoomba Library). Residents who would like help making a submission are invited to attend a drop-in information session from 3pm – 5pm, with a public meeting held from 5.30pm – 7pm to discuss the proposal in detail.
View the full proposal and make a submission via the NSW Planning Portal: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/residential-flat-buildings-142-150-narrow-neck-road-katoomba. Submissions close 30 April 2026.
