Mosman residents divided over unit plans by developer Helm for Myahgah Rd site

A list of well known real estate agents are backing plans for a new housing development in the heart of Mosman – but neighbours fear it will destroy the village atmosphere of the suburb.

A new multistorey housing development in the heart of Mosman is splitting opinions among locals and reignited fresh debate about the level of the development which should be allowed in the north shore suburb.

Northbridge based developer Helm has lodged a $25.5 million proposal to amalgamate five low-rise properties overlooking Mosman Village Green to make way for a three storey housing complex with 20 apartments.

A list of well known real estate agents have backed the plans – saying Mosman is in dire need of new housing.

But neighbours surrounding the site fear the project represents “overdevelopment” and could destroy the suburb’s village atmosphere.

Plans recently lodged with Mosman Council show the development would stand next to Mosman Art Gallery and will include a mix of two and three bedroom units, along with basement carparking and landscaping works.

The development will stand opposite Mosman Village Green.

Five homes at 15, 17, 23, 25, 19-21 Myahgah Road – which date back as far as the early 1900s – would have to be demolished for its construction.

A who’s who of local real estate agents have thrown their support behind the project, with many saying the development would meet housing demand and suit the growing number of local “downsizers”.

Plans have been lodged to Mosman Council.

The development would include landscaping works.

CBRE real estate agent Tim Real said in his submission “the sooner a development is constructed on this site the better”.

“This site has been a stagnant hole in the ground for years now and has recently been targeted with graffiti, making it an eyesore for the area,” he said.

“Although there are a small minority of vocal existing residents that always object to developments like these, the vast majority of people realise that high quality residential development in locations like this is what is needed for the suburb to thrive.”

A concept plan of the development

Rosemary Quinn, who lives on Visa St, said the project could cause excessive traffic impacts and was out of character with surrounding sites.

“I was mortified when I saw the plans,” she said. “I walk my dog past it every day and it’s in a part of Mosman that’s adored – all those houses are beautiful and it will change the whole culture of the area.

“It’s not conducive to the community living in Mosman and I can’t understand why we need more apartments.”

A concept plan of the pedestrian link.

A map showing where the development would be built.

Helm – in its plans to the council – said the project would address an undersupply of new housing in the local government area and include public benefits such as a public walking path running through the site.

“The apartments are specifically designed to help address the current shortage of high-end residential developments that cater to a broad range of owner occupiers looking for significantly larger apartments,” Helm said in its plans.

“By providing a mix and design of apartments for downsizing owner occupiers the development creates opportunities for local residents to remain in their communities, vacate their larger homes and allow families to upgrade into these homes, which are more suited to their needs.”

The proposal is currently under assessment by Mosman Council and is open for community feedback.

Mosman Council has one of Sydney’s lowest state government imposed housing targets with just 300 new homes required to be built in the local government area over the last five years. The council said a “similar number” would be required over the coming six to 10 year period.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show 52 residential dwellings were approved in the council area in the 12 months from June 2021 to May this year - compared to 113 in North Sydney, 457 in Willoughby and 496 in Lane Cove.