This project is an appalling violation of the look and fabric and spirit of Paddington. It is a terrible, shortsighted mistake that will enrich a few and degrade the lives of everyone else, and once made it will be irreversible. Please, please do not allow it, or we will lose what makes Paddington special and precious.

To Victor Casasanta
Planning Officer
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Dear Planning Department,
Having spent many years visiting and spending time in Paddington, I wanted to express my support for the redevelopment proposed at 142–160 Oxford Street.
The suburb has always been known for its heritage character and strong sense of identity. It is therefore encouraging to see a proposal that appears to acknowledge this context while still providing modern housing suited to today’s needs.
The existing buildings on the site do not appear to contribute positively to the surrounding conservation area and have been described as intrusive within the streetscape. Replacing them with a cohesive development designed with reference to Paddington’s architectural character will likely improve the overall appearance of Oxford Street.
The development will also provide additional housing in a location where residents can easily access public transport, shops and services. Locating housing in these well-connected areas helps support a more efficient and sustainable city.
The inclusion of affordable housing is also commendable and ensures the development contributes to a more diverse community.
For these reasons, I believe the redevelopment represents a positive outcome for the neighbourhood.
Yours faithfully,
Lily Torio

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my support for the proposed redevelopment at 142–160 Oxford Street in Paddington.
From what I understand, the current buildings on the site are considered intrusive within the heritage conservation area and do not contribute positively to the character of the neighbourhood. Redeveloping the site provides an opportunity to introduce architecture that is both respectful of the area’s heritage and suited to modern living.
The proposed building, designed by Smart Design Studio, appears to have been carefully developed to reflect the local architectural context while providing high-quality apartments with modern amenities. Improvements of this nature help maintain the overall quality and attractiveness of established neighbourhoods.
The project also contributes to the much-needed expansion of housing supply in Sydney. Delivering additional dwellings in locations that already benefit from strong infrastructure and services is a sensible planning approach that supports sustainable urban growth.
Importantly, the inclusion of affordable housing apartments ensures that a portion of the development will remain accessible to lower and moderate income households.
For these reasons, I support the redevelopment and believe it will deliver lasting benefits for the local community.

Victor Casasanta – Planning Officer
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Dear Planning Assessment Team,
I would like to express my support for the redevelopment proposed at 142–160 Oxford Street in Paddington.
Good urban design has the ability to significantly enhance the quality of our built environment, particularly in heritage areas where thoughtful architectural responses are essential. The proposed development appears to demonstrate such an approach.
Replacing buildings that currently detract from the heritage conservation area with a carefully designed development will improve the visual character of Oxford Street. The proposed use of sandstone and other contextual materials suggests that the design team has carefully considered the architectural identity of Paddington.
In addition to improving the streetscape, the project also contributes to an important broader objective – delivering additional housing in well-serviced inner-city locations.
The inclusion of affordable housing apartments is particularly valuable. Providing access to high-quality housing for lower and moderate income households strengthens the diversity and resilience of local communities.
Overall, the proposal appears to represent a thoughtful and well-designed redevelopment that will positively contribute to both the site and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Sincerely,
Gracelyn Galap

To the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure,

I am writing to express my support for the proposed redevelopment at 142–160 Oxford Street, Paddington.

The current group of buildings on the site are tired, underutilised and do not make a strong contribution to the surrounding heritage streetscape. The proposed redevelopment, designed by Smart Design Studio, represents a significant improvement in both architectural quality and functionality. A well-designed sandstone façade that references the historic character of Paddington will sit far more comfortably within the broader streetscape.

Importantly, the proposal will also deliver additional housing in an area that is extremely well connected to services, transport, employment and community infrastructure. Oxford Street is one of Sydney’s most established urban corridors and it is entirely appropriate that additional homes are located in such a central and well-serviced location.

The inclusion of affordable housing within the development is also a particularly positive aspect of the proposal. Enabling essential workers and lower to moderate income earners to live closer to their workplaces helps strengthen local communities and improves access to opportunity.

Overall, the proposal represents a thoughtful redevelopment of a prominent site and will provide new, well-designed housing that contributes positively to the Paddington precinct.

Kind Regards

Dear Sir,
I wish to register my support for the redevelopment proposal concerning 142–160 Oxford Street and the adjoining sites in Paddington.
The redevelopment offers a clear opportunity to revitalise a group of aging buildings and replace them with a contemporary residential development designed to a high architectural standard. The involvement of Smart Design Studio suggests that significant thought has been given to both the aesthetics and functionality of the building.
Paddington is one of Sydney’s most vibrant inner-city suburbs and it makes sense for new housing to be delivered in locations where residents can easily access public transport, employment and local services. Increasing housing supply in established areas is an important part of addressing Sydney’s ongoing housing challenges.
The inclusion of affordable housing apartments within the project is also a valuable contribution. These homes will allow individuals and families on lower or moderate incomes to remain living within the area, contributing to the social and economic diversity of the community.
Overall, the project appears to balance design quality, housing delivery and community benefit in a thoughtful way.
I believe the redevelopment will make a positive contribution to Oxford Street and to the broader Paddington precinct.

Please see attached my objection to the Proposal.

The height and size of the development is grossly excessive a nd is without precedent especially in a heritage area like Paddington

I wish to object to the project. Please refer to the attached PDF document.