Janette Waterhouse plans to subdivide Elizabeth Bay property spark neighbour outrage
A plan by the former daughter-in-law of a late bookmaking legend to subdivide one of Sydney’s most expensive trophy homes has sparked a planning row among neighbours in the harbourside suburb.
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A development plan by the former daughter-in-law of late bookmaking legend Bill Waterhouse to subdivide one of Sydney’s most expensive waterfront trophy homes has sparked a planning row among neighbours in the well-heeled suburb.
Two homes would be added to a sprawling waterfront block of land at Elizabeth Bay as part of Janette Waterhouse’s $22m development project.
It would involve building two houses on site, which is also occupied by the historic 19th century mansion known as Tresco, and is reportedly worth about $100m.
Waterhouse has owned the property since 2004 when she and then husband David Waterhouse – the son of late bookmaker Bill Waterhouse – bought the site for $14m.
The development would involve excavating and subdividing waterfront sections of the block to create the new homes – one spanning five levels and the other spanning six.
The existing Tresco mansion – which is protected as a state heritage listed building – would be retained.
The release of plans has ruffled feathers among neighbours with dozens of residents writing to the City of Sydney claiming the development could block harbour views, damage the historic character of Tresco and drive down living standards in the area.
Ute Junker, who lives next to the site, said the construction of two new homes on the property could “significantly increase noise impacts” and “decrease his privacy”.
“The proposal is totally unsuitable both for this valuable site and the community that lives so closely around it,” he said.
“It will impede the intimate bay views that are a key feature of my apartment.”
Development plans by Ms Waterhouse stated the development was partly aimed at creating more privacy because adjoining multistorey apartment buildings which overlook Tresco’s terraces rendered the garden areas as “relatively unusable”.
The development is also aimed at addressing the rising cost of maintaining Tresco which plans stated have become an increasing financial burden.
“Additional development on the site would help to ensure that resources are available to support the conservation of the heritage item for future generations,” the plans stated.
Submissions from residents have raised further concerns over the level of excavation works required to build two dwellings on the block of land as well as tree removal and construction noise.
Andrew Woodhouse, a member of the Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage Conservation Society, said the development could damage the character of one of the few remaining 19th century homes on the harbour foreshore.
In another submission, Michael Coade wrote: “It will be a massive mistake (and) another historic estate will be changed forever and not for the best.’’
The City of Sydney Council has echoed residents’ concerns and is due to make a decision on the plans at a meeting next week.
A report by council planning staff has recommended the council refuse the plans, partly because of the “detrimental impacts” the subdivision would have on the “historic and aesthetic” values of the site.
“In addition, the proposal would cause significant impacts on the structural and visual integrity of the natural rock and cliff face,” the report added.
If refused, Ms Waterhouse would have the option of appealing the decision in the Land and Environment Court.
Tresco, which dates back to 1868, was once owned by the Royal Australian Navy and over the decades is known for hosting lavish high society gatherings, attracting guests including the likes of late Prince Philip.
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Originally published as Janette Waterhouse plans to subdivide Elizabeth Bay property spark neighbour outrage
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