We oppose the proposed eight-storey apartment development at 17–19 Lindsay Street and 26–28 Barry Street, Neutral Bay (Application DA 10.2026.00000242.001).

We recognise the need for additional housing and support responsible urban renewal. However, this proposal represents an overdevelopment of the site that would have significant and lasting impacts on neighbouring residents, local families and the established character of the surrounding streets.

The proposal would replace four existing residential buildings with a substantially larger development comprising 37 apartments. While increased housing has an important role to play, it must be balanced against the amenity, safety and environmental qualities that make our neighbourhood a desirable place to live.

Our concerns include:
1. Excessive building scale and height, resulting in a development that is out of proportion with its immediate surroundings.
2. Traffic and parking impacts on Barry Street and Lindsay Street, where additional vehicle movements will worsen congestion on already constrained residential roads.
3. Pedestrian safety, particularly for children and families walking to nearby schools, childcare centres, parks and sporting facilities.
4. Privacy and overlooking for neighbouring homes, child care centres and school zones, with upper level apartments and communal spaces increasing opportunities for direct overlooking into private living areas and backyards.
5. Loss of residential amenity, including increased overshadowing, reduced outlook and diminished enjoyment of neighbouring properties.
6. Loss of tree canopy and deep soil landscaping, reducing opportunities for mature vegetation and undermining North Sydney's urban greening objectives.
7. Construction impacts, including years of heavy vehicle movements, noise, dust and disruption for nearby residents.

This proposal should be assessed on its own planning merits. Approval should not be justified simply because other large developments have been proposed or approved nearby. Each development application must demonstrate that it complies with planning controls and delivers an appropriate outcome for the surrounding community.

We encourage North Sydney Council to ensure that any redevelopment on this site respects established planning principles, protects residential amenity and prioritises the safety and wellbeing of local families.

Accordingly, we call on North Sydney Council to:
- Refuse the current development application; or
- Require a substantial redesign that better complies with planning controls and significantly reduces impacts on neighbouring residents and the surrounding community.

We support well designed housing that contributes positively to Neutral Bay. We do not support developments that place excessive pressure on local infrastructure, compromise neighbourhood amenity or exceed what is appropriate for the site.

We call upon local policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders to act responsibly and thoughtfully to preserve our community's identity while meeting housing demands sensibly. Please sign this petition to ensure that Neutral Bay remains a community where both current and future generations can thrive.

Your voice matters. Sign the petition to help us prevent an overdevelopment that could alter the heart of our beloved neighbourhood forever.

Every response counts, so please take 5 minutes to complete the form on the Council's page https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/dahaveyoursay