A plan to build several 11-storey apartment blocks in Sydney’s Inner West has sparked widespread concern among local residents and council leaders, who fear the development will irreversibly change the character of the area and place additional strain on existing infrastructure.
The proposed developments form part of the NSW Government’s broader housing strategy to tackle Sydney’s growing affordability crisis. The plan, which encourages high-density living near public transport hubs, aims to deliver tens of thousands of new homes across key suburbs.
Under the state’s new Transport Oriented Development (TOD) policy, areas within 800 metres of major train stations and metro lines are being rezoned to allow for mid-rise apartment blocks of up to six storeys. However, developers are reportedly pushing for approval of even taller buildings—up to 11 storeys in some cases—raising alarm among communities already facing overcrowding, traffic congestion, and stretched services.
Community Concerns
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has labelled the plan as “outrageous” and “out of touch with local needs.” In a recent statement, he said, “Blanket rezoning that permits 6-storey or taller buildings on every single street is not smart planning—it’s a developer’s dream but a community’s nightmare.”
Local residents in suburbs such as Dulwich Hill, Petersham, and Rozelle have voiced their objections through community forums, petitions, and council meetings. Many fear that increased population density will impact school capacity, public transport reliability, and green space accessibility.
“There’s just no way the roads, schools, and parks here can handle that kind of growth,” said Rozelle resident Fiona Andrews. “We’re not against new housing, but we want thoughtful development that respects the fabric of our neighborhoods.”
Development Hotspots
One of the most contested sites is the long-vacant Balmain Leagues Club in Rozelle, where an $800 million mixed-use redevelopment known as Rozelle Village is being proposed. If approved, it will feature residential towers, commercial spaces, and affordable housing units. Critics argue the scale is out of step with the surrounding low-rise community.
In Burwood, the recent approval of three residential towers, including one at 40 storeys, has set a precedent for larger-scale developments in the Inner West—much to the concern of local councils fearing a domino effect across the region.
Government’s Position
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Planning defended the strategy, citing Sydney’s critical housing shortage. “We must increase housing supply in well-connected areas to ensure future generations can afford to live in Sydney,” the spokesperson said. “This policy strikes a balance between growth and sustainability.”
Despite community resistance, the state government has signaled it will proceed with rezoning plans unless compelling alternatives are presented. Public consultations are currently underway, with final decisions expected later this year.
What’s Next
As Sydney continues to grapple with a deepening housing crisis, the future of the Inner West may serve as a bellwether for how Australia balances urban development with local community interests. For now, the battle over building heights and neighborhood character shows no signs of slowing down.
