I object to the variation in height for the development at 45-53 Macleay St Potts Point, document attached.

Detailed Design for shop-top housing with in-fill affordable housing
45-53 Macleay Street Potts Point
I have resided in Macleay Street for over 60 years and object to the above proposal that has been re-submitted with a further height increase and modified apartments, on the basis of:
1. Affordability : The proposal clearly reduces the amount of lower cost housing in Potts Point. Two people sharing a studio unit is demonstrably more affordable than sharing a one bedroom apartment, and
2. Supply: The reduction of 80 studio units to 23 units is also demonstrably a net loss and does not meet the Government objective of increasing supply.
The above two points alone should trigger an immediate rejection of the proposal that fails to meet the policy objectives. If it is not rejected there logically must be another agenda not disclosed to the public in the planning approval process.

In addition to the above policy contradictions, the design issues below defeat sound, professional planning objectives:
3. The proposed 16 storey building height creates a height singularity at the lower end of Macleay Street, towering over an astounding 2-5 times the height of the surrounding heritage and pre-war buildings;
4. Approval of this proposal opens the door for surrounding buildings to develop proposals that are 2-5 times their current height, which would destroy the heritage aspects of the suburb. There may as well be no planning considerations in that case, and
5. The overshadowing of the proposed building will destroy the street’s light filled afternoon and irrevocably change the ambience of the street.
In conclusion, I submit that the developer is entitled to submit a proposal that complies with the Sydney Council guidelines, and hence still generate economic development, resulting in a generous profit for their outlay.
Please refuse the project and refer it back to Sydney Council.

Yours sincerely,
Resident
Potts Point

Subject: Objection to 16-storey proposal – 45–53 Macleay Street, Potts Point

I object to the proposed 16-storey development on the following planning grounds:

1. Inconsistency with approved concept envelope
The approved concept established a built form of approximately 13 storeys (~50 m). The proposed 16-storey height represents a material departure from this envelope and undermines the integrity of the staged approval process under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

2. Excessive height and bulk
The additional three storeys (~12 m) significantly increase the building’s visual dominance and are not compatible with the surrounding built form, particularly in a sensitive inner-city and heritage context.

3. Unacceptable view loss
The increase in height is likely to result in the loss of existing views beyond what would occur under a compliant 13-storey scheme. This does not represent a reasonable sharing of views as recognised by NSW planning principles.

4. Overshadowing impacts
The additional height will extend shadow impacts on neighbouring residential properties, reducing solar access to living areas and private open space, particularly during winter months.

5. Insufficient justification for additional height
Any reliance on planning bonuses (e.g. affordable housing or design excellence) must demonstrate clear public benefit. The extent of additional height proposed appears disproportionate to any such benefit.

Conclusion
For these reasons, the proposed 16-storey development should be refused, or reduced to a height consistent with the approved concept scheme.

I note the Planning Portal advises the closing date for submissions is 7 May 2026 (see attachment - image taken at 9:20 this morning 29 April)
Could you please confirm this as I understand there is come confusion on this matter. As I am planning to complete a objection submission next week I would appreciate you prompt confirmation.

Thank you

See letter of objection attached.

this looks like a well thought out plan with a large amount of affordable housing and studio apartments. I feel the old tenants and residents have been well thought of when planning. I like the look of the new building and feel it will be a strong improvement on the brutalist looking current building. A welcome addition to the area