Hayes St residents angry over plans for apartment development
A ROW has broken out on a scenic Neutral Bay street over plans to demolish two properties to make way for an apartment block. Find out what both sides have to say.
Mosman
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A ROW has broken out on a scenic Neutral Bay street over plans to knock down two homes to make way for an apartment block.
Hayes Street is on a steep incline nestled by the harbour’s edge and is home to Neutral Bay Wharf.
Nos 6 and 8 are being lined up for demolition but neighbours are opposing the plan with the support of Mayor Jilly Gibson.
“The demolition of these houses in Hayes Street, I believe, will inevitably lead to the entire block between Manns Avenue and Kurraba Road being demolished,” Cr Gibson states in her planned mayoral minute.
“I believe it is Council’s responsibility to preserve the beauty of this significant conservation area.”
The debate is due to be heard at Monday night’s council meeting and Cr Gibson is expected to call for the council to urgently apply for an interim heritage order on No 6 Hayes St.
Both properties are not heritage listed buildings but they are within the local Kurraba Point Heritage Conservation Area.
Max Weston, the owner of No 8, called the move for an interim heritage order “outrageous”.
“I challenge the Mayor. Has she ever been inside my property or No. 6?,” Mr Weston said.
“People have to recognise that the zoning permits change.
“If people don’t like it they should never have bought in the street.”
Residents recently gathered for a photograph outside the properties to show their opposition to the development.
Neighbour Paula Burnett believes the proposed four-storey apartment block will be “completely out of character”.
“We are particularly concerned that if the development proposal is approved by Council, it will entice other developers to seek to erect similar buildings in Hayes Street and thereby potentially destroy the present beauty and character of the street forever,” Ms Burnett said.
The residential building would have nine units and basement parking. The works have an estimated cost of $6.4 million according to documents submitted to North Sydney Council.
Ms Burnett said the current buildings are important for what they offer to the streetscape and wants to protect Hayes St from being “overdeveloped”.
“The proposed apartment block would be intrusive and detract from the character and significance of the KPHCA,” she said.
Concerns have also raised about the potential impact on views, parking, traffic congestion and shadowing on nearby homes.
Mr Weston disputed the claims made by Ms Burnett and pointed out an independent heritage assessment concluded both properties held very little heritage merit. He said it would be entirely unreasonable to argue the proposed building has excessive bulk.
“The architects have gone out of their way to blend this development with the heritage aspects of the area,” Mr Weston said.
“There is no way any views are impeded from neighbours … this is a ludicrous accusation.”
More than 50 submissions from the public about the development have been lodged to council. The Mosman Daily has contacted the developer and owner of No. 6 for comment.