I am writing as a local resident who is deeply concerned about the proposed development at 164–194 William Street, Woolloomooloo. Having reviewed the Environmental Impact Statement and associated documents, I believe the proposal is inappropriate for the site in its current form. It raises major concerns around height, amenity, public access, and genuine community benefit.

Subject: Objection to the Proposed Development at 174–194 William Street (SSD-80211463)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing as a long-term resident of the 2010 postcode to formally object to the proposed development at 174–194 William Street (SSD-80211463).
I am 79 years old and have lived in this area for over four decades. During that time, I have seen our neighbourhood grow, adapt, and modernise. However, this proposal risks pushing those changes too far. This is not simply a matter of resisting development — it is about protecting the liveability, safety, and spirit of a place that many of us proudly call home.
Minimising social impact must be a priority. The project should address its potential effects on community cohesion, local character, demand for services and open spaces, traffic and parking pressures, pedestrian safety, visual impact, and overshadowing. My concerns are both personal and deeply communal.

1. Loss of Sunlight and Natural Light
The proposed buildings’ height and bulk will significantly overshadow homes in the 2010 area, particularly during winter mornings and afternoons when sunlight is most needed. Many residents — especially older people and those working from home — depend on natural light for warmth, health, and mental wellbeing.
2. Wind Tunnel and Microclimate Impacts
The proposal’s scale will likely intensify wind tunnelling along William Street and adjacent laneways. Similar effects have been observed in nearby developments and pose safety risks to pedestrians, particularly the elderly and mobility-impaired. The proposed 18-storey tower will also block the beneficial sea breezes that help cool the area during increasingly long hot periods.
3. Visual Bulk and Loss of Views
The development will obstruct many existing outlooks, replacing views of the sky, trees, and heritage rooftops with concrete.
Notably, in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by Urbis Ltd on behalf of William Street Residential Pty Ltd, our building on Tewkesbury Avenue, Darlinghurst, was not included in the list of properties assessed for view loss (page 43). This omission must be rectified.
The truth is that the views from my apartment will be catastrophically affected. I plan to spend my remaining years in my home, and the loss of harbour and district views will have irreversible consequences for my quality of life and property value. In this neighbourhood, views are not a luxury — they are what make high-density living tolerable and dignified, particularly for older residents.
4. Overdevelopment and Loss of Local Character
The proposed height and massing are out of scale with the surrounding streetscape, creating a “canyon effect” and destroying the fine-grain character that defines this area. This represents overdevelopment, not thoughtful renewal.
5. Infrastructure and Safety Strain
Existing infrastructure — roads, parking, sewerage, footpaths, and emergency services — is already under strain. Another large-scale development will further erode safety, sanitation, and accessibility. The cumulative impact of this and nearby proposals must be considered holistically, not in isolation.
6. Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Vulnerable Residents
This neighbourhood includes many older residents, low-income earners, renters, and people with health challenges. Construction noise, overshadowing, increased population density, and traffic will have serious implications for physical and mental wellbeing.
7. Lack of Meaningful Community Consultation
Many residents feel this proposal has progressed with limited engagement or transparency. While I support the inclusion of 30% rental-controlled housing, I strongly oppose the 18-storey tower proposed as the preferred option (page 57, Option 5).
Option 1, which distributes the 30% unit increase evenly across all four buildings, is a far more balanced and community-sensitive approach. I respectfully urge that this alternative be adopted.
8. Community Park and Public Space
The proposed public and communal park on the northern part of the development is commendable. However, the plans (page 27) lack details of essential community features such as a community garden, exercise area, meeting place, children’s play area, and art space. Please provide more detailed plans to ensure these valuable inclusions are considered.

Conclusion
I support progress and improvement, but not at the expense of people’s health, amenity, and right to sunlight, air, and open space. The current proposal prioritises height and yield over respect for people and place. It fails to demonstrate that it serves the public interest.
I respectfully request that Planning NSW:
1. Reject the proposed 18-storey tower height;
2. Distribute the 30% additional floor area evenly across all four buildings;
3. Conduct a proper assessment of view loss for all affected properties, including those on Tewkesbury Avenue;
4. Adopt a more sensitive approach to development in high-density areas, prioritising liveability and community wellbeing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards,
Marisa Minelle-Katis

Re: SSD-80211463 – Objection to Proposed Development at 164–194 William Street, Woolloomooloo
Date: 4 November 2025

I am writing to object to the proposed 18-storey development at 164–194 William Street, Woolloomooloo. As an owner occupier in the Top of the Town building at 227 Victoria Street, I am concerned about the scale and impact of this proposal on our community and surrounding environment.

Below is a list of issues that I believe warrant serious consideration:
☐ View Loss and Visual Impact
The proposed height (61 metres) will obstruct views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge from many units in our building. These views are a key part of the value and amenity of our homes. The development is located in a sensitive visual catchment and should be scaled down to preserve iconic vistas. It will also obstruct views of the Domain, which is an important green space in the urban landscape.
☐ Excessive Height and Overdevelopment
The proposal exceeds the City of Sydney’s planning controls for height and floor space ratio. Even with Housing SEPP bonuses, the scale is unreasonable and inconsistent with the character of the area. A development of 8–9 storeys would be more appropriate.
☐ Rooftop Noise and Amenity Impacts
Plans for rooftop communal areas raise concerns about noise transmission, especially during evenings and weekends. Elevated outdoor spaces can carry sound across the neighbourhood, affecting sleep and quality of life.
☐ Traffic and Parking Pressure
The development will increase traffic on already congested streets and may worsen parking availability. Construction traffic and long-term vehicle movements should be carefully assessed and mitigated.
☐ Overshadowing and Sunlight Loss
A building of this height will cast long shadows over neighbouring properties and public spaces, reducing sunlight and affecting environmental amenity.
☐ Heritage Context
Although the site itself is not heritage-listed, it adjoins the Woolloomooloo Heritage Conservation Area and is near several listed buildings. The proposed bulk and scale would visually dominate these heritage assets.
☐ Infrastructure Strain and Cumulative Impact
The area has seen several large developments recently. The cumulative impact on local infrastructure, public transport, and community services must be considered.

I request that the Department require a significant reduction in the height and density of the proposal. Should the project proceed to the EIS stage, I ask that the following be included:
- A detailed view impact analysis from affected properties.
- A noise and vibration assessment, particularly for rooftop use.
- A traffic and parking impact study, including cumulative effects.
- A heritage impact statement.
- Oversight by the State Design Review Panel.

Thank you for considering this submission.

The area is already one of Sydney’s most densely populated, and this project would place excessive strain on local infrastructure, parking, and community facilities. The area also has a highly transient population, and it’s likely these units will not be owner-occupied but rented short-term to backpackers, further reducing community stability and respect for the area. The scale and height of the proposal are inconsistent with local character and will block valued city and harbour views. Overall, this development represents significant overdevelopment and is incompatible with the area’s heritage and livability.

I am objecting to the project as currently proposed. While this development is a welcome renewal for part of William St and while it is good that is has included affordable housing (much needed in this area), the height of part of the building is problematic and unjustified. Given the scale of the project, there is no good reason to build as high as proposed; it will not enhance either the building or the area. I recommend rethinking the design of this project.

I OBJECT TO THIS PROJECT AS IT WILL COMPLETELY BLOCK MY VIEW OF SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE AND SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE.
THIS WILL GREATLY AFFECT THE POSSABILITY OF THE RE SALE OF MY APARTMENT WHICH IS LOCATION IN THE BUILDING CALLED TOP OF THE TOWN ON VICTORIA ST, DARLINGHURST. MY APARTMENT FACES WEST WHICH DIRECTLY LOOK AT THE CITY AND THE SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE AND OPERA HOUSE. I WILL BE DEVASTATED BY THIS AND WANT TO PLACE MY FIRM OBJECTION TO YOU PLEASE. THANK YOU AND MUCH APPRECIATED. HELEN FARAH

Hi
My name is Matthew Baldry, Property Manager for The Cancer Council NSW at 153-161 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, a heritage-listed site referenced in the application documents. We have not been consulted by the developers, despite our inclusion as Key Neighbours in the Engagement Outcomes Report.

While we support the project’s benefits and uplift to Woolloomooloo, we are concerned about uninterrupted access for staff, volunteers, and stakeholders during the three-year construction period, specifically via Dowling St (front) and Forbes St, Judge Lane, and Judge St (rear), for both pedestrians and vehicles. These access points are crucial for our operations and any change to these, temporary or permanent, will be opposed by The Cancer Council NSW.

Thank you
Matthew Baldry

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to object to the proposed 18-storey development at 164–194 William Street, Woolloomooloo. As a resident of Top of the Town at 227 Victoria Street, I have serious concerns about the scale of this proposal and the impact it will have on our neighbourhood’s character, liveability, and environment.

Loss of Views and Visual Impact
At 61 metres, the proposed height would block established views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge enjoyed by many residents. These views are integral to the appeal and value of our homes. The site sits within a highly visible ridgeline, and a building of this scale would intrude on the city’s iconic skyline. A reduction in height is necessary to protect these significant vistas.

Excessive Height and Overdevelopment
The proposal goes well beyond the City of Sydney’s planning controls for both height and floor space ratio. Even accounting for Housing SEPP incentives, the overall massing appears excessive and out of step with the surrounding built form. A more appropriate scale of around eight to nine storeys would provide additional housing while maintaining balance with the existing urban context.


Traffic and Parking Impacts
The surrounding road network is already under pressure. Increased traffic, construction vehicles, and limited off-street parking will worsen congestion and make local parking even more difficult for residents and visitors. William Street can already be a nightmare, and I would hate to think of what would happen with a huge residence there adding a lot more congestion.

Overshadowing and Sunlight Loss
A building of this height will create substantial overshadowing for nearby buildings and public areas, reducing natural light and affecting amenity.

Heritage and Character
The development site borders the Woolloomooloo Heritage Conservation Area and is close to several heritage-listed buildings. The proposed bulk and height would dominate the historic streetscape and undermine the established character of the precinct.

Cumulative Impact and Infrastructure Strain
This area has experienced several large-scale projects in recent years. The combined effect of ongoing high-density development places additional strain on local infrastructure, public transport, and community facilities.

For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department to require a major reduction in height and density before any approval is considered. Should the project progress to the EIS stage, I request that it include:

A detailed view impact analysis from surrounding properties

A rooftop noise and vibration assessment

A comprehensive traffic and parking study (including cumulative impacts)

A heritage impact statement

Oversight by the State Design Review Panel

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on this matter.

Yours sincerely,
A concerned resident who has lived in the area for more than a decade

To: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Re: SSD-80211463 – Objection to Proposed Development at 164–194 William Street, Woolloomooloo

From: Dr Matthew Bode; Owner – Unit 609, Top of the Town, 227 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Date: 31/10/25

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed 18-storey development at 164–194 William Street, Woolloomooloo. As a resident of the Top of the Town building at 227 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, I have significant concerns regarding the scale and impact of this project on the local community, surrounding environment, and established character of the area.

View Loss and Visual Impact

The proposed 61-metre structure will obstruct existing views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge for many Top of the Town residents. These views are integral to the amenity and value of our homes. The site lies within a highly sensitive visual corridor, and a reduction in height is essential to preserve these iconic vistas.

Excessive Height and Overdevelopment

The development substantially exceeds the City of Sydney’s height and floor-space-ratio controls. Even accounting for potential Housing SEPP incentives, the proposed scale is excessive and inconsistent with the local context. A development limited to 8–9 storeys would be far more appropriate and in keeping with the surrounding built form.
Rooftop Noise and Amenity Impacts
Plans for communal rooftop areas raise serious concerns about noise propagation, particularly during evenings and weekends. Elevated outdoor spaces can transmit sound across long distances, significantly affecting neighbouring residents’ amenity and sleep quality.

Traffic and Parking Impacts

The development will increase pressure on local roads that are already congested. Construction traffic, additional residential vehicles, and delivery movements will further strain parking availability. A comprehensive traffic and parking management plan should be mandated to address these cumulative effects.
Overshadowing and Sunlight Loss
A building of this height will cast extended shadows across neighbouring properties and public spaces, diminishing natural light and reducing environmental amenity.

Heritage and Character Considerations

Although the site itself is not heritage-listed, it adjoins the Woolloomooloo Heritage Conservation Area and is near several listed heritage buildings. The proposed bulk and height would visually dominate and detract from these heritage assets, eroding the precinct’s established character.

Infrastructure Strain and Cumulative Impact

This proposal adds to a series of large-scale developments recently approved in the area. The cumulative demand on infrastructure, public transport, and community services must be thoroughly assessed before any further intensification is allowed.
Requested Actions
I respectfully request that the Department require a substantial reduction in the proposed height and density. Should the project proceed to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) stage, I ask that the following studies and reviews be included:
• A detailed view and visual-impact analysis from affected properties.
• A noise and vibration assessment, with specific attention to rooftop communal areas.
• A comprehensive traffic and parking impact study, including cumulative effects.
• A detailed heritage-impact statement.
• Independent oversight by the State Design Review Panel.
Thank you for considering my submission. I trust that the Department will ensure that any future development at this site respects the character, heritage, and amenity of our community.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Matthew Bode
Unit 609 Top of the Town
227 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
[email protected]