Court approves historic Mosman mansion to be demolished and replaced by apartments.

By ANNA USHER

The fate of a century-old Mosman mansion has been sealed after the Land and Environment Court ruled it could be demolished to make way for a three-storey luxury apartment complex.

Developers have been given the green light to move ahead with the controversial $4.235 million project at 92 Raglan St, also known as “Gargrave”.

The go-ahead follows opposition from many in the community who lodged objections with Mosman Council calling for the existing five-bedroom home – built in 1906 – to be protected from the wrecking ball.

Last Wednesday, the Land and Environment Court upheld an appeal after Mosman Council rejected a Development Application by Eva Heaton in September 2023.

The decision has sparked anger among many in the community, including the Mosman Conservation Group, who say they are disappointed by a “lack of action” from Council.

“In conjunction with the orders released by the Land and Environment Court last week, Mosman Council have advised they would not be making an Interim Heritage Order on the property,” the group’s Founder, Phil Burfurd, told Mosman Collective.

“Their lack of action is extremely disappointing.”

Amended plans show the historic home will be replaced by a three-storey residential flat building comprising a three-bedroom apartment on each level, basement parking, landscaped gardens and a pool.

A spokesperson for Mosman Council told Mosman Collective the development application was approved after “significant amendments”.

“This included increased building setbacks, reduction in height and reconfiguration of the floor plan,” the spokesperson said.

“Given the concerns raised by neighbours about the original refused design, Council invited all objectors (80) to address the Court on their concerns during the Hearing. However, no objectors chose to address the Court.”

In response, Mr Burfurd said it was Mosman Council’s responsibility to act on resident’s objections at the Land and Environment Court.

“There were around 96 submissions written by Mosman locals, and further submissions made at a mediation conference,” Mr Burfurd said.

“Mosman Council engaged a lawyer to represent Mosman ratepayers – many of whom oppose this development.

“I think [Council] should have fought harder because there was huge opposition, but they chose not to place an Interim Heritage Order on the home.

“Unfortunately, Gargrave is now subject to demolition and there is nothing we can do about it.”

Councillor Simon Menzies told Mosman Collective he was disappointed the suburb is to lose a landmark home.

“We are losing a fine example of heritage housing – and this is going to be commonplace with the new NSW housing reform,” he said.

“Everything possible must be done to protect and preserve Mosman’s future.”

Councillor Roy Bendall agreed.

“It is a tragedy when we lose a significant piece of our historical identity,” he said, “it is a pity the Land and Environment Court doesn’t weigh in these factors accordingly.”

“It is a beautiful home and unfortunately, heritage is on the chopping block while the state of NSW seeks greater density.”