Land and Environment Court approves Swifts mansion event plans despite Darling Point resident backlash

A lavish Sydney mansion, famous for hosting the wedding of shock jock Kyle Sandilands, is set to be the scene of more celebrations despite angry locals complaining of “pee and vomit”.

A lavish Sydney mansion has been given the green light to host weddings, balls, charity events and corporate functions despite backlash from neighbours, who fear it could turn the property into a high-end party palace.

The historic Swifts mansion, which hit the headlines when it hosted shock jock Kyle Sandilands’ wedding, could soon be used to host more celebrations after a long-running planning stoush centred on the use of the building was settled in the Land and Environment Court this week.

The 62-room Darling Point mansion, owned by businessman Shane Moran’s company, Masolage Holdings, lodged a development application in 2022, seeking council consent to hold events on up to 41 days per year.

The idea was that the venue would be rented out for events, with product launches also among the possibilities, generating funds that would be used to help pay for the costly upkeep of the home and its grounds.

But the proposal was met with a frosty response from Darling Point residents, who expressed concerns the plans would turn the Victorian mansion into a noisy party place with strobe lighting, fireworks and loud music.

Kyle Sandilands dancing with radio co-host “Jackie O” during his wedding to Tegan Kynaston, at Swifts mansion. Picture: Instagram

Woollahra Council, which received 174 public submissions from residents about the proposal, rejected the plans at a planning meeting in 2022 on the grounds the proposal was “not in the public interest”.

Darling Point resident Charlotte Feldman, who lives opposite the state heritage-listed mansion, also had concerns over traffic impacts and the venue’s guests hogging the limited number of on-street parking spaces.

Darling Point resident Charlotte Feldman.

Ms Feldman said she was “deeply disappointed” by this week’s court outcome.

”When they’ve had events in the past, people come out of there tipsy and we’ve seen people pee and vomit on cars and property, which is very unpleasant,” she said.

“When they had the Kyle Sandilands wedding, it was very noisy.

“We’re not happy with 41 events a year. It’s almost one party every week. It’s going to be a big nuisance for residents. There’ll be nowhere for the locals to park.”

The mansion is recognised as a state heritage-listed building.

The court ultimately approved the development on amended plans, agreed by Masolage Holdings and the council, including limits on crowd numbers and opening hours depending on the scale of events.

Under the limits, events would not be able to run beyond 10pm, with all patrons required to vacate the mansion by 10.30pm.

Other conditions imposed as part of the approval include a ban on strobe lighting, flashing lights and fireworks.

Sorting of glass bottles also cannot occur after 8pm due to potential noise impacts on neighbours, while a traffic controller or parking supervisor must be in place for events.

Inside the Swifts mansion.

Land and Environment Court senior commissioner Susan Dixon noted the development would enable Masolage Holdings to help pay for the upkeep on heritage works required for the mansion.

“Maintaining and conserving a state heritage significant asset of the grandeur of Swifts is an ongoing expense (and) to ensure the heritage item is retained in a manner commensurate with its significance, substantial ongoing funds are required,” she said.

In a statement, Woollahra Council said it was “satisfied with the conditions of the settlement and has no unresolved concerns”.

Owner Shane Moran outside Swifts.

“The settlement is a good outcome for the local community and nearby residents, and provides certainty for the owner,” a council spokesman said.

“Under the terms of the development consent, regular meetings with council staff are now required.

“Ongoing non-compliance can result in reduction of operating hours and event frequency.

“Council must be informed of any planned event in excess of 120 persons and is to be provided with a copy of an event register on an annual basis.”

The Swifts mansion dates back to 1877 and is described by the Australian Heritage Council as “perhaps the grandest house remaining in Sydney”

The mansion has also been used as a filming location including for recent TV series such as The Artful Dodger, Married At First Sight, and Queen of Oz.

The court has ordered Masolage Holdings to pay the council’s legal costs, with a final amount to be agreed by the parties or determined by the court.