By ANNA USHER

Locals have launched a petition to save two Federation era homes, urging Mosman Council to step in and issue an urgent Interim Heritage Order to stop their demolition.

The campaign, titled “Help Save Balmoral from High-Rise”, aims to protect 48 and 50 Almora St, where developer Prosker Property has lodged plans to build a 29-metre, eight storey apartment tower of 14 units.

The proposal includes three basement levels, 31 car spaces, a communal pool and landscaped open space. It’s been submitted under the NSW Government’s new Low to Mid Rise Housing Policy.

The developer has allocated an affordable housing component comprising three apartments, each with three bedrooms.

According to documents uploaded on the Mosman Council website, the project (if approved) carries an estimated cost of $50.5 million.

According to the petition, 48 Almora St was once owned by Mosman’s first Mayor, Richard Harnett, while number 50 was built by John Bryant, a man who “greatly contributed to the character of Mosman”.

More than 50 objections have been lodged on the Mosman Council DA Tracker, with residents citing overshadowing, loss of privacy and views, and increased traffic as major concerns.

“A crime against Mosmanity” wrote one objector, who said approving the development would be a “crime against the spirit and character of Mosman”.

Another submission warned that the project would permanently alter the suburb’s identity:

“If this development proceeds the character and visual attractiveness of the iconic Balmoral Slopes will be lost forever.”

“Approving a development of this scale and nature would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar inappropriate developments that undermine the strategic intent of Mosman’s planning controls,” another added.

Heritage documents submitted to Council by Urbis argue the two homes “do not meet the criteria for heritage listing,” describing them as “generic” examples of inter-war bungalow dwellings constructed around 1920.

“Therefore, their demolition is supported on heritage grounds,” the Heritage Impact Statement reads.

Instead, a photographic archival record of both homes is recommended before demolition proceeds.

Have your say…

If you would like to sign the community petition, the link is HERE.

See the Development Application HERE.