Developers seek to increase height of Centennial Collection plan at Oxford St, Nelson St, Bondi Junction

A mammoth development which could change the face of Bondi Junction is inching closer toward a green light, as its opponents claim an affordable housing loophole could allow the luxury towers to become even taller.

An artist impression of the proposal for 194 Oxford Street Bondi Junction. Looking east down Oxford St

A mega development which could change the face of a major eastern suburbs hub is inching closer toward a green light, as its staunch opponents rally against the “excessive” overdevelopment.

The $79.9m vision, named “The Centennial Collection” and to be delivered by developer Stargate, proposes building 85 apartments across two towers, one with 13 storeys and one with 16 storeys, at the western end of Bondi Junction.

According to their website, the proposal offers prospective buyers a “luxurious portal to the treasures of Sydney’s prized Eastern Suburbs”.

Out of the 85 “beautifully envisaged” apartments proposed, 17 will put aside as affordable housing for 15 years.

First submitted back in 2015, the proposal’s long history has included backlash from residents and Waverley council, whose opposition was a rare display of “tri-partisan solidarity.”

An artist impression of the proposal for 194 Oxford Street Bondi Junction.

Now, the state significant plan is nearing the end of its public exhibition period, and its opponents fear the clock is ticking with cranes having already arrived on the site.

For critics, the main sticking point is the proposed height, which at 55 metres exceeds local planning controls by 57 per cent.

Residents at the Protest Rally against the proposal in 2017

This could be made possible due to the state government’s planning policy, which permits developers to override planning controls as bonus for affordable housing.

Under the bonus, developers are allowed to surpass height limits by 30 per cent, if at least 15 per cent of the proposed floor space is designated as affordable housing.

Project developer Stargate, a subsidiary of Westgate, is hoping to use the provision to add three more floors to the western tower and six more floors to the eastern tower.

However Save Bondi Junction West group member Genevieve Taylor said the bonus could only be granted if considered “desirable” for local character.

Artist render of the finished works as seen from Woods Ave, Woollahra

According to Ms Taylor, the proposed building would loom over the surrounding heritage-rich streetscape especially near Centennial Park.

“In their own words the developer said the towers would be ‘highly visible’ from Centennial Park. You’ll be able to see these two big towers sticking up through the trees,” she said

“This is excessive, and totally out of character with the area.”

Another chief concern of Ms Taylor is the traffic which will come with the towers, noting the plans include “54 more car spaces yet only one car share space”.

Meanwhile, another advocate said the proposal would set a “terrible precedent”, believing developers across Sydney were “holding their breath” to see what happens.

“It’s kind of like if they get away with this on this site, then all bets are off, and this is one of the really big issues,” they said.

“It will mean that you could see buildings all down York Road, so the very, very wealthy will get to live in these penthouses with beautiful views and everyone else will lose this beautiful green space.”

Stargate was approached for comment.