

“While numerous taller buildings are situated within Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, these form part of cohesive clusters of high-density buildings, associated with strategically identified precincts,” planning authorities said.

“The same context does not apply to the Star site.”

“The plan would introduce a new tower form that is inconsistent with its immediate context and would result in unacceptable visual impacts due to its scale, isolation and visual dominance of the existing Pyrmont character and fails to promote good design and amenity of the built environment.”

NSW Minister for planning Rob Stokes said the department’s assessment reflects the consistent and widespread opposition to the scale of this proposal.

“The report is the result of an exhaustive process and provides some clear advice for the independent decision-maker to consider,” Stokes said.

Lord mayor of the City of Sydney, Clover Moore said the council was “delighted” with the department's assessment, which she said had taken the community's concerns into account.

The fate of The Star’s tower now rests with the Independent Planning Commission.