Eastern suburbs stoush over Morgan family plans for Vaucluse mansion

Residents of one of Sydney’s wealthiest neighbourhoods are readying for a stoush with ex-Westpac boss David Morgan over plans to develop a lavish deep waterfront mansion.

There are plans to redevelop 15B Coolong Road, Vaucluse.

The ultra-wealthy residents of one of Sydney’s most high-profile neighbourhoods are preparing for a stoush with former Westpac chief executive David Morgan over his daughter’s ambitious plans to develop a lavish multi-level, multimillion-dollar deep waterfront mansion in their street.

Mr Morgan forked out $17.5m for 15B Coolong Rd, Vaucluse in December, 2020 and through Bruce Stafford Architects has lodged plans to demolish the existing house, build a four-level mansion, and make alterations to the property’s existing boatshed.

Mr Morgan’s daughter, Jessica Morgan, has lodged plans for a sprawling house featuring four bedrooms, all accompanied by large ensuites. On the basement level there are plans for a guest retreat and guest rooms. There’s a private internal lift ferrying residents up to the mansion’s rooftop, which is expected to be a popular party location because it features a large terrace overlooking Sydney Harbour, as well as a toilet and study.

Woollahra Council conducted a series of formal “view loss assessment” interviews with the residents of Coolong Rd last week, with many neighbours understood to be up in arms about the height of the proposed mansion to be developed on the 971sq m block.

The stunning outlook from 15B Coolong Road, Vaucluse.

“I strongly object to the proposed house, which is non-compliant and does not appropriately share views, as is required by the (view-sharing dispute) court case,” said one neighbour property investor, David Kingston.

Other neighbours known to be objecting include Coolong Rd resident and wealth manager Suvan De Saoysa. Another neighbour, Ukrainian refugee made good Leon Kamenev, is also expected to object because Ms Morgan’s plans will partially block his waterfront views.

Mr Kamenev angered residents in Coolong Rd a few years ago when he purchased four adjoining properties from 13 to 15A Coolong Rd for $82m and then embarked on a plan to build a French chateau on the waterfront block.

Mr Kamenev faced serious objections from neighbours and was forced to reduce the height of the mansion – which on completion next year is expected to be worth about $150m, making it Australia’s most expensive house.

Mr Kamenev, a co-founder of takeaway food app Menulog, which he has since sold, has opted for a more contemporary design.

“Kamenev’s building was hotly contested and was reduced in height by one metre,” said Mr Kingston.

“It’s an intriguing case of karma,’’ said Mr Kingston, adding that the property will impact on Kamenev’s views.

Mr Kamenev, who at one stage was expected to purchase 15b Coolong Rd, is in Europe and told The Australian he was too tired to comment.

Woollahra Council declined to comment.

Bruce Stafford did not respond to repeated calls from The Australian. Mr Morgan could not be reached for comment.