Residents in fight against Bellevue Hill flats plan

Residents are strongly resisting plans for a block of flats that will replace original single dwellings in Bellevue Hill.

An artist’s impression of the flats proposed for Riddell Street, Bellevue Hill

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Residents are strongly resisting plans for a block of flats that will replace original single dwellings in Bellevue Hill.

In what appears to be a trend toward higher density development in the east, the application proposes knocking down the existing homes at 21 and 23 Riddell St, and building a three-storey block of six flats.

Plans include basement parking for 12 vehicles.

Each unit will feature three bedrooms as well as a balcony or terrace. The two top units will have access to individual rooftop terraces and there will be two swimming pools. 

However residents are already mobilising in opposition, warning in notices posted around the suburb that the flats will set a precedent in the area if approved.

One of the key concerns of those opposing the plan is the felling of six trees — a coast banksia, a liquidambar, a spotted gum, a bull bay magnolia, a Chinese hackberry and a Canary Island date palm.

Paddington’s GSA Planning, who has submitted the application on behalf of Pyrmont’s Concretive Development Services, states new trees will be added.

An artist's impression of how the block will look

Resident of the street Richard Maynard, said there was huge concern about the proposal in the community. “There is nothing else like it at the moment in the area.” he said. “If this gets through then it will set a precedent. It will change the character of the area.

“We are worried because the area was rezoned a few years ago to allow for bigger residential developments like this. It is difficult to know what we can do.”

He said there was also anger at the developer’s plans to alter the embankment on public land to make room for flats and driveway.

“They can do what they want with their own land but I don’t think it is right that they should be able to alter public land to facilitate their development.”

GSA Planning said the designs aim to “maintain the character of the street as well as the Bellevue Hill South Precinct”.

“The proposal will not result in unreasonable impacts on the amenity of surrounding development,” they concluded.

“The design and external appearance of the proposed development is ... appropriate and compatible with the development in the locality.”

The plans are on exhibition until December 10.