E’Bay not for sale

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
In one of the densest areas of the city, a development application to add two storeys would not usually seem excessive or imposing.

But that is not how an entire building of residents in Elizabeth Bay see the construction of four new apartments at 13-17 Ithaca Road.

The residents claim it will block sunlight, obstruct their harbour views, and hinder activities on their communal rooftop such as growing plants, painting artworks and having barbeques.

The residents at 4 Ithaca Road, which is adjacent to the proposed development, told City Hub that the additional floors added to the building will mean most facing residences will lose privacy.

Resident Sara Brookes told City Hub that because of the high density in the area, a large number of residents would suffer significantly for the addition of four “luxury apartments”.

“The additional building bulk proposed in the DA would also be an eyesore that would block our existing views to the water. Naturally, existing residents of the ‘Ithaca’ building pay a premium to live here,” Ms Brookes said.

She said that “the DA proposes the construction of additional, higher stories that will add further concrete bulk that is out of character with and unsympathetic to the existing historic buildings in the area”.

This is not the first time 13-17 Ithaca Road has been marred in controversy.

In an objection to the DA, Ms Brookes cited a case from 1995 with South Sydney Council which she said she believed could prevent the building from an increase in height.

In a letter to the council, she wrote that this judgement had created a legitimate expectation of height in the local area.

In 1995, the court found the sale contract contained no “covenant which restricted the building height”.

But the NSW Land and Environment Court judgement found that the council must consult with residents who overlook the roof regarding future developments of the site.

The council originally sold the land in 1974, and the owner constructed two level townhouses on the land.

The City of Sydney said they could not respond to City Hub’s requests for comment, as the development application was currently under assessment.