iObject is grateful that another slice of local Sydney heritage has been saved from the threat of being knocked-down. iObject’s work to prevent the demolition of a contributory within a Rose Bay Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) involved preparing a detailed planning submission to Woollahra Municipal Council. DA523/2022 at No. 26 Salisbury Road proposed to demolish an existing Californian Bungalow and construct a new three-storey residential flat building (RFB) with basement parking.

Neighbourhood character is possibly one of the most disregarded planning principles, often left as a footnote in contemporary development assessment. This remarkable case study highlights some of the threats to neighbourhood character, and the apparent indifference by both the Council (which recommended approval) and the Local Planning Panel (which granted approval) for their own DCP character controls.