Crows Nest: Residents locked in skyscraper planning battle over ‘property prices, privacy’ impacts

North shore homeowners say their homes could be dwarfed and property priced decimated if plans for a skyscraper overlooking their homes are approved.

North shore apartment owners fear their multi million dollar properties could soon be overlooked if a major “view blocking” affordable housing project planned next door is given the green light.

The developer behind a new affordable housing and commercial tower planned opposite the Crows Nest Metro station is facing resistance from residents amid concerns the value of surrounding homes will be slashed if the $104m development is approved.

The new 31 storey building would have 114 apartments – of which 30 would be provided as affordable housing – along with four levels of commercial office space and retail tenancies.

Some nearby residents are rallying against the proposal with objectors raising alarm bells over the prospect of the tower overshadowing surrounding low and medium density homes.

One homeowner, in a redacted submission to the plans, said the tower could dwarf the surrounding landscape and directly overlook their property.

A concept image of the tower, as seen from the Pacific Hwy in Crows Nest.

“There will be an increased risk of overlooking from windows, balconies, and terraces, which will affect both my living conditions and the value of my property,” the submission stated.

“The proximity of such a large structure will substantially alter the peaceful nature of the surrounding residential area.”

The development would include affordable housing units and commercial space.

Visnja Majewsk, the secretary of a strata property located to the west of the development site – said the tower could have further impacts on traffic congestion and noise.

Development plans for the site at 378-398 Pacific Highway in Crows Nest show an existing row of commercial buildings and shops would be demolished to make way for the project.

Developer group Freecity Group Holdings, in its planning documents, stated the building had been designed to address view impacts on neighbouring properties and was in line with NSW Government housing targets to create new housing near public transport.

It is also aimed at providing new affordable housing in areas where average median rental prices have soared from $550 to $850 over the last five years, according to figures from the NSW Tenants Union.

Concerns have been raised over the height of the tower.

North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker has raised concerns over the increased level of density in the suburb.

“The NSW Government recognises the need to build more homes for our growing population, boost housing supply and improve housing affordability. This project aims to address this challenge,” the plans stated.

The plans come after the NSW Government approved major rezoning plans for Crows Nest which reclassified land within a 1200m radius of the new Crows Nest Metro Station as an ‘accelerated growth’ precinct with the aim of creating 3255 new homes.

North Sydney Council has raised objections over the rezoning push, arguing there was a lack of open space, social infrastructure and recreation facilities to cope with the anticipated population surge.

A concept image showing how new rezoning changes could transform parts of Crows Nest and St Leonards.

Mayor Zoe Baker said more planning was needed to ensure parts of the suburb including the Pacific Hwy corridor did not become a “soulless canyon” overshadowed by high-rise towers.

She said there was also a dire lack of supporting infrastructure including schools and open space.

“In 2025 students are unable to go to Cammeraygal High School (in Crows Nest) because it is at capacity and are instead being diverted to Mosman High School which is almost at capacity or Hunters Hill High School,” she said.

“If you’re going to provide new housing and density you must plan for and provide the essential infrastructure to serve that new population.”

The development proposal for the Crows Nest site is classified as “state significant” and is currently being assessed by the Department of Planning.