Help Oppose The Overdevelopment at 45/49 Murdoch Street, Cremorne.

A 38% Height Violation Against Established Planning Regulations.

A new development plan for 45/49 Murdoch Street proposes a 31-unit apartment block that violates local planning regulations by exceeding the prescribed height limit by a massive 38%. This overreach directly impacts the surrounding neighborhood by overshadowing existing homes, intruding on resident and school privacy, and diminishing the overall aesthetic character of Cremorne.

Although development is a natural part of urban growth, such a large-scale project ignores carefully considered planning strategies that protect neighborhoods from congested living conditions and excessive building height. The proposed structure prioritises developer profit over environmental sustainability and the well-being of existing residents.

See the full application submitted to North Sydney Council here.

Extreme Height Violation (38% Over the Legal Limit)

• The North Sydney Development Control Plan (NSDCP) limits building height to 12m.
• The developer is using the Affordable Housing SEPP loophole to request an increase to 15.6m, but is actually building to 16.6m—far beyond even that exemption.
• This sets a dangerous precedent for future overdevelopment—if allowed, more developers will use the same tactic to bypass planning controls.
• This is not a minor adjustment—it is a fundamental breach of zoning laws designed to protect residents.

Overshadowing & Loss of Sunlight

• The excessive height will block natural sunlight for many neighboring homes.
• Some residents may receive no direct sunlight at all.
• Morning, mid-morning, and late-afternoon sunlight will be affected.

Privacy Invasion

• The top floor exceeds regulations and lacks privacy screening.
• Residents in Education Lane, Murdoch Street, and Rangers Road will be overlooked by multiple units, exposing gardens, bedrooms, and living spaces. Higher-rise units south of Military Road (floors 3, 4, 5, and 6) will also have views impacted.
• Redlands Primary School is directly overlooked, creating a serious privacy issue for young children.

Unnecessary Environmental Impact

• Unlike developments that increase density by replacing single-family homes, this project demolishes existing mid-density housing that already had an environmental impact.

Key environmental concerns:

• Destroying existing housing stock—this is not an underutilised site; it already contains a 4-story building and townhouses.
• All existing tenants will be forced to leave and enter a more difficult rental market.
• Demolishing functioning homes generates construction waste and pollution without real community benefit.
• Increased population density strains local roads, parking, and public spaces.

Why the “Affordable Housing” Justification Is Misleading

• The developer claims the height-limit breach is justified by including affordable housing, but only 7 out of 31 units (22%) will be “affordable.”
• The developer retains ownership—this is not social housing.
• After 10 years, they can sell or rent these units at full market rates.
• The community gains no permanent affordability benefit, yet the excessive height remains forever.
• This is not true affordable housing—it’s a loophole to justify overdevelopment.

If this 38% height violation is approved:

• Developers will continue exploiting this loophole, further increasing density without community benefits.
• More overshadowing, loss of privacy, and infrastructure strain will follow.
• The NSDCP’s height limits exist for a reason—they protect our community from overdevelopment.

This is not responsible urban planning—it is profit-driven overdevelopment at the expense of the environment and community.

Submit Your Objection to North Sydney Council during the submission period (March 14th-28th).

How to Submit:

• Online: Via Council Submission Form
• Email: council@northsydney.nsw.gov.au (Subject: Objection to DA 010.2025.00000024.001)
• Council Planner In Charge of Project: Jim Davies
• Mail: Address to North Sydney Council
• If you need help? Join the Whatsapp group and receive more information and a submission template.

Why Your Submission Matters:

• The more formal objections received, the stronger the case against the development.
• If 10 or more unique objections are submitted, the Local Planning Panel (NSLPP) must review the application rather than council staff approving it internally.
• Every objection helps protect our neighborhood from excessive overdevelopment.
• Working together, we can uphold planning regulations and protect the quality of life in our neighborhood.

*Please note this is a template and shouldnt be copied word for word. Each submission should be unique to your individual concerns.

Subject: Objection to DA 010.2025.00000024.001 – 45 Murdoch Street

To: The Planning Team, North Sydney Council
Email: council@northsydney.nsw.gov.au

Dear Council,

I object to Development Application 010.2025.00000024.001 for 45 Murdoch Street due to violations of planning controls and harm to the community.

Height Violation & Overdevelopment

Exceeds the 12m limit by 38%, reaching 16.6m. The Affordable Housing SEPP loophole does not justify a permanent breach, setting a dangerous precedent.

Overshadowing & Sunlight Loss

Excessive height reduces morning, mid-morning, and late-afternoon light for nearby properties.

Privacy Concerns

Overlooks private residences and Redlands Primary School, violating North Sydney’s principles and endangering student privacy.

Environmental Impact

Demolishing mid-density housing for a taller project creates waste without real community benefit.

Misleading Affordable Housing

Only 7 units at reduced rates for 10 years; this does not justify a permanent 38% height increase.

I urge Council to reject or require compliance with the 12m limit and stronger privacy measures.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email] (optional)

Regulation Code




Height Breaches & Regulation





Shawdow Analysis



Photomontage depicted a 4 storey building. Its a 5 storey building being built.