The plan is intended to increase housing supply in line with NSW housing density reforms, although it has sparked strong community opposition.
The dispute began following a proposal to replace six houses on Awaba Street with a 29-unit development. The application was submitted by Metis and triggered objections from more than 90 locals, along with a separate legal challenge against state housing policy by another resident. Both Mosman Council and the Sydney North Planning Panel missed the deadline to deliver a decision, which the developer regards as an effective rejection.
NSW rules allow developers to take a proposal to the Land and Environment Court if no decision is made within a set timeframe. The developer argues the project supports government aims, and legal advisors believe it has a strong chance of approval under current policy. The case exposes the tension between state efforts to increase housing supply and local attempts to maintain established neighbourhood character.
This court case may have broader consequences. Similar disputes have occurred in other suburbs such as Woollahra and Ku-ring-gai. The ruling could influence future legal approaches and affect how NSW housing reforms are implemented. The state government continues to emphasise the urgent need for more medium-density housing in areas close to infrastructure as a key strategy to address Sydney's housing affordability issues.
