A former resident of Sydney’s lower North Shore has criticised the character of wealthy suburbs such as Mosman while backing a state government push to allow more low- and mid-rise apartment buildings across the city.
Physiotherapist Tim Ellis, 58, told the Sydney Morning Herald he was unhappy living at Cremorne Point, adjacent to Mosman, and moved to Potts Point 22 years ago because he found the inner-city neighbourhood "full of life and vibrant" compared with what he described as a "soulless community of corporate people." He said the move improved his day-to-day life and his sense of connection with neighbours.
The comments come as the NSW government implements a Low and Mid-Rise Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) that aims to accelerate the construction of new homes by overriding local council planning controls. Two applications for four-storey and six-storey apartment blocks have been submitted to Mosman Council under the policy, which proponents say would add hundreds of affordable homes.
Supporters of higher-density housing argue apartment buildings deliver services and foster community. Adam Flower, 36, president of the Norwest Community Association, said his own tower includes a supermarket, shops, medical facilities and a gym and that such amenities are a benefit to residents. "Each tower that comes brings more services," he said, adding that apartment living should be available to people who cannot afford separate houses in traditionally wealthy suburbs.
Mosman has been assigned a relatively modest target of 500 new homes by 2029 under the policy. By comparison, Ryde has a target of 11,600 homes and North Sydney 5,900. Even the affluent eastern suburbs council of Woollahra is expected to accommodate about 1,900 new homes. Median weekly family income in Mosman has been reported at about $4,500.
Opponents say the SEPP is a one-size-fits-all reform that removes councils' ability to consider local context, protect heritage-listed properties and manage neighbourhood character. Judith Pearson, 89, an accountant who has lived near Balmoral Beach for more than three decades, has mounted a private legal challenge to the state reforms. She told the Herald she supports the need for more housing but objected to what she described as reforms that would "destroy" the value and character of the area and strip councils and communities of control.
"I couldn't just stand by and watch the value and character of what makes the area special being destroyed," Pearson said. Asked whether her court action reflected a sense of entitlement, she replied: "Yes, we are entitled because we've worked hard to live here. I am entitled to live here."
The SEPP removes the ability of some councils to assess developments on a case-by-case basis, a change that has intensified debate between proponents who say mid-rise apartments will address the housing crisis and opponents who argue the reforms risk eroding local character and heritage protections. Mosman Council and the NSW government have been engaged in consultation and planning processes as the targets and applications proceed.
The dispute highlights broader tensions in Sydney over how to increase housing supply in established suburbs, balance heritage and character concerns, and provide more affordable and diverse living options across the city. Advocates for apartments say higher-density buildings can create social hubs and deliver services, while critics maintain local input and protections are essential to preserve neighbourhood identity.