Sydney approves luxury tower despite loss of affordable homes
NSW approved an $85 million Paddington development demolishing 27 apartments to build 44 units, with only 11 as affordable housing.
Toohey Miller's eight-storey complex on Oxford Street will replace a 50-year-old block of studios and townhouses. The approval came despite 332 objections and opposition from Woollahra Council, the local MP, and residents.
Just 11 of the 44 new apartments will be rented below market rates for 15 years. Planning Minister Paul Scully said cities must evolve to address housing shortages.
Independent MP Alex Greenwich called the approval devastating. He said it exposed flaws in the government's planning priorities.
Woollahra councillor Harriet Price said the community was gutted and intends to seek legal advice on challenging the decision.
- $85 million
- Development cost
- 27
- Apartments demolished
- 44
- New units created
- 332
- Public objections
Why it mattersSydney faces a housing crisis yet continues to approve developments that reduce the total stock of affordable homes, displacing essential workers from inner-city neighbourhoods.
AustraliaThis decision sets a pattern for Sydney's housing future: higher density and more units, but fewer homes ordinary workers can afford, pushing lower-income residents further out.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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