Residents locked in skyscraper planning battle over ‘view destroying’ tower

Homeowners who forked out $2 million for apartments facing Sydney Harbour say their views will be ‘decimated’ by a mega skyscraper planned directly next door to their homes.

North shore apartment owners are locked in a skyscraper battle over plans for 31 storey rental development directly opposite their homes with fears their views of Sydney Harbour will be obliterated if the “view blocking” development is given the green light.

The developer behind a major ‘build to rent’ tower planned in St Leonards is facing backlash from residents with concerns the value of surrounding multimillion dollar homes will be slashed if the new development is approved.

The new 31 storey building would have more than 270 residential units along with four levels of commercial office space and retail tenancies.

Dozens of nearby residents are rallying against the proposal with many objectors raising alarm bells over the prospect of losing their south-facing views across Sydney Harbour.

Adrian Wilson said he spent more than $2 million buying his unit in the adjacent St Leonards Square tower before finding out his views could be obstructed by the new development.

A concept image of the new development (right), which would stand next door to existing apartment buildings.

The development would involve the demolition of six properties at the site.

“The value of my investment was justified by the breathtaking views of the city and the harbour,” he said.

“However, if this development proceeds, these views will be obliterated, leaving me with an obstructed sightline of noisy air conditioners

“We’ll all be facing into the same dark alley.”

A photo of current views which homeowners say will be “decimated” if the new development is approved.

Resident Mark Bartel, who owns a unit at the nearby Landmark apartment building, says the development could also “have a severe impact on the mental health” of the community due to the height of the building blocking sunlight into surrounding buildings.

Homeowner Paul Christopher – in another submission opposing the development – said he was “disheartened by the loss of our spectacular views and abundance of natural solar light”.

Dozens of other submissions have raised concerns over privacy impacts, property prices as well as traffic congestion and “noise pollution.”

A concept image of the new development.

Development plans show six properties at 46-52 Nicholson St and 59-67 Christie St would be demolished to make way for the 31-storey development.

Developer group Jemelong, in its development plans, recognised that “view loss is a key concern of surrounding residents” but argued St Leonards “is a growing and highly attractive area for many and continues to undergo significant change.”

Plans stated the development had also been reduced by three storeys during early planning stages in a move aimed at striking a “view sharing” balance with neighbours.

The new development would have communal areas including a swimming pool.

The plans stated the tower would provide new housing in an area experiencing a shortage of rental accommodation. Rental figures show the median rental prices in the local area have soared from $483 to $623 over the last decade.

“The provision of additional housing will increase supply for renters in the locality and contribute to the current housing crisis,” the plans stated.

The proposed development is the latest ‘build to rent’ project planned in Sydney with more proposed in suburbs including Parramatta, Macquarie Park and North Sydney.

The proposal has been lodged with the Department of Planning and remains under assessment.