By ANNA USHER

Locals have launched a petition in a bid to fight the redevelopment of four Neutral Bay homes which could be replaced by 45 luxury apartments.

Citing “unreasonable” impacts on local families, the campaign is calling on North Sydney Council to reject a recent DA for 54-64 Barry St, which could see the houses demolished for an eight-storey building with rooftop pool, if approved.

Last month, Mosman Collective revealed the full scale of the proposal, which would comprise 15 three-bedroom, 24 two-bedroom, and six one-bedroom residences, along with 62 car spots and 50 bicycle spaces.

“We oppose the proposed 8-storey apartment development at 54-64 Barry St, which represents an overdevelopment of the site with setbacks materially below applicable planning controls, the Change.org petition states.

“This would result in unreasonable and lasting impacts on local families, residents, and the established residential character of Barry Street.”

At the time of publication, 567 locals had signed the Change.org petition, formally opposing the $52 million project submitted to Council by CE Project Ventures.

“The height of this building is ridiculous!,” wrote one local. “The developers have shown no respect for the surrounding neighbourhood as they build for profit not aesthetics.”

“This development will not fix the housing crises nor make renting any more affordable,” said another. “It will just ruin another beautiful street in Neutral Bay.”

A central issue flagged in the petition is traffic congestion on Barry Street, which residents describe as a narrow residential road already under pressure during school drop-off and pick-up times. Petition organisers warn increased vehicle movements associated with the development would heighten risks for pedestrians, including children.

Privacy concerns have also been raised, with residents objecting to the planned rooftop communal area. They argue the elevated design would introduce overlooking into neighbouring homes and nearby education facilities.

“As an early childhood teacher, I am horrified that the proposed development will provide anybody in the rooftop area and upper floor units with perfect and unrestricted views of early education centres (there is one in Barry Street) and Neutral Bay Primary School,” one concerned resident wrote.

“Further to this, the safe movement of children as they enter and exit their school will also be severely compromised.”

The development application is currently under assessment, with Council planners reviewing resident submissions alongside traffic, planning and environmental reports before making a determination.

“To protect the safety, privacy, environmental quality, and amenity of local children, families, and residents, we call on North Sydney Council to refuse this application or require a substantial redesign,” the petition states.

If you would like to sign the petition HEAD HERE

See the Development Application HERE