Residents of Rose Bay and Double Bay are strongly protesting plans to allow much taller apartment buildings in their neighbourhoods, fearing irreversible damage to their community’s character and infrastructure.
Height Limits Spark Outcry
Nearly one hundred residents have formally objected to proposed changes to low—and mid-rise housing development. The state government’s changes would set maximum building heights at six to seven storeys.
This overrides current Woollahra Council controls, which limit buildings to three or four storeys. Residents described the state government’s plans using strong negative terms like “disgraceful” and “excessive”.
Woollahra Council voted unanimously to support the residents’ position and oppose the new state standards.
Infrastructure Under Strain
A major point of opposition centres on the belief that local infrastructure cannot cope with increased density. Submissions supporting Council highlighted serious existing constraints, including traffic congestion, overflowing schools, crowded public transport, and an electricity grid already under pressure. Many residents argued that the area is already struggling with overdevelopment.
Concerns were specifically raised about traffic, with residents stating that the area relies heavily on only two main roads for access. It was argued that this leads to peak hour traffic extending late into the morning and starting again mid-afternoon, indicating the road network is already at capacity. Some residents felt that building six-storey apartments in this situation would court disaster.
Council Backs Residents
In its motion opposing the state plans, Council noted it had already exceeded previous government housing targets. Council stated it was on track to meet its target of 500 new dwellings by 2026 before the state government significantly increased this requirement to 1900 dwellings.
Some residents felt that past developments required to meet earlier targets had already negatively impacted the peaceful suburban nature of the area over the last decade.
Fears for Local Character
Beyond infrastructure, residents expressed deep concerns about losing the unique character and charm of Rose Bay and Double Bay. A recurring theme in the submissions was the potential loss of greenery, tree canopies, and sunlight due to taller buildings. Residents voiced worries about their suburbs losing their “human scale” and desirable village atmosphere.
Several submissions expressed fears that the area could become a built-up and “soulless” place like nearby Bondi Junction, or even resemble highly dense cities like Hong Kong.
People wrote about the importance of open spaces and parks to enhance the harbour’s natural beauty, which attracts visitors. There was a strong sentiment that the character and soul of the harbourside suburbs would be “forever scarred” by high-rise buildings next to homes, impacting sunlight, views, and creating overcrowded conditions.
Published Date 24-April-2025