364 Edgecliff Rd Woollahra: Decision looms for six-storey apartment development following resident backlash

A proposed six-storey apartment building on a modest pocket of land has ignited a community, who fear the development will impact property values and threaten a heritage landmark.

A decision about the future of a contentious proposal for a six-storey apartment complex set to disrupt a heritage listed property in the leafy streets of Woollahra hangs in the balance, with an outcome to be revealed in coming days.

Amid rapid development in Double Bay and Bondi Junction, residents are looking over their shoulder with a wary eye to new projects in their neighbourhood fearing ‘development creep’.

Loss of sunlight, the impact on a heritage house on the site, and the loss of the neighbourhood’s character were among objections raised by Woollahra residents, architecture consultants, and heritage groups.

A Woollahra Local Planning Panel held on Thursday heard from half a dozen residents – many speaking on behalf of the strata for their entire apartment building – in opposition to the development.

CSA Architects first lodged plans for the apartment complex last October, with neighbours notified by council the following month.

Concept art of the apartment block at 364 Edgecliff Rd. Image: CSA Architects.

Now, eight months on, the 132 objectors to the proposal will have an answer on if the project will go ahead.

The plans outline a new six-storey building, standing 19.5m high, with 13 apartments, a basement garage with 24 car spaces and landscaped gardens.

Two blocks were snapped up by the developer – 364 and 364A Edgecliff Rd – however the existing 1920s era three bedroom ‘Corner House’ must remain mostly untouched due to its heritage status.

The planned development amalgamates 364 & 364A Edgecliff Road Woollahra.

Many high-rise apartment were built in the area in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Photo: Bianca Healey.

A heritage consultancy firm hired by the developer stated the design of the building would not only facilitate the conservation of the old house, but reflected “architectural excellence” which would fit the character of the suburb.

But Morson Group Architects director Peter Morson told the panel the project was “grossly non-compliant”.

The plan “results in an unacceptable density and significant amenity impacts on the neighbouring properties,” he said.

Pete Finley, owner of an apartment on Fullerton St, told the panel before he bought the property he had been told the neighbouring block was not open to development over two storeys.

“It was heritage and we were told that it was heritage,” Mr Finley said.

Architecture plans show a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments. Image: CSA Architects.

364 Edgecliff Rd building height drawing, Image: Woollahra Council.

“It‘s now six storeys. It’s … overshadowing my entire courtyard and leaving it with no sunlight. And it will essentially destroy all my privacy.”

Many residents aired fears the six-storey building would negatively impact their property value and said they had not expected more development in the area when they purchased.

“If this development would proceed, it will destroy the value of several apartments and as such, the entire building as well,” Fullerton St resident Travis Kirk said.

Catherine Campos, another impacted resident, concurred.

“When I first saw the plans for the block of units, I was very concerned and quite frankly, distressed that such a development could be afforded to the council,” she said.

“We already have parking issues, which have grown since I came here 10 years ago. With this proposed new development, these types of issues will be further exacerbated.”

Image showing Corner House, published in the May 1922 issue of Art in Australia.

The heritage building will remain on the site. Photo: Bianca Healey.

Peter Barclay, managing director of King O’Malleys pub in Canberra, has two children who live in a nearby apartment and said residents had a responsibility to preserve historic neighbourhoods.

“When you look at … development going on in other areas of Sydney and even in Canberra, where there’s no footpaths, the trees are being cut down and there’s no amenity – do we really want that for this unique part of the city?”

Woollahra Councillor Merrill Witt told the panel the community expected heritage buildings and their surroundings to be protected.

“I would argue that one of the reasons why our community is subjected so strongly to this DA is because since the 1970s, when hard fought battles won to protect more of our heritage, we have come to expect that heritage protection will uphold the broader character of our cultural landscapes,” Cr Jarvis said.

George Karavanas, managing director of planning firm GSA Planning told council in a report the building would have a insignificant impact on the current shade to surrounding residences, and the 24 car spaces would ensure the apartment did not add to traffic congestion.