Mosman Council reveals its preferred option for Masterplan
Mosman Council has endorsed the next stage of the Mosman Masterplan refining plans to meet housing targets while delivering community benefits.
The State Government introduced low and mid-rise (LMR) housing rules that require increased density with the same blanket controls for all councils. Mosman did not accept the ‘one size fits all’ approach and is formulating its own ‘place-based’ plans that would still meet the state-set housing targets – at least 4,700 new homes for the Mosman local government area.
Two alternative masterplan options were developed and shared for a preliminary community consultation in April and May this year. Option 1 favoured a ‘low and wide’ approach with less height and more spread of development. Option 2 promoted ‘high and narrow:’ tall apartment block towers concentrated in a smaller area. Each option was designed to deliver the same overall number of new homes required under the LMR.
Taller buildings meant a smaller land area needed to accommodate that growth; lower buildings generally required a wider area of change.
The consultation showed an even preference, and council’s preferred option is a hybrid of both options, with heights ranging from three to 25 storeys.
“Our preferred Masterplan identifies key sites (for) building height,” Mayor Ann Marie Kimber said in a video update. “A consistent corridor along Military and Spit roads, and lower heights around the edges of transition zones between high density and areas of no change.
The proposed area of change in the Masterplan comprises of a 12 % area of change compared to the LMR’s 27%.
“The Masterplan is also intended to support strategic investment in community assets that enhance quality of life and respond to the evolving needs of residents, key workers and visitors.
“We want well-planned density in the right locations, with local centres that are designed to provide lasting value for future generations,” the mayor added.
Council aims to ensure that Mosman remains liveable, sustainable, and resilient over time. “This has been a really important part of our master planning process for Mosman,” Mayor Kimber said.
Mayor Kimber and council director of environment and planning Vivienne Albin attended
the Committee for Sydney’s Breathable Density event in July which reinforced the importance of planning density around people and nature, with a focus on public spaces, tree canopy, light, water and fresh air.
The principles align with the emerging Mosman Masterplan, which aims to enhance streets, parks, buildings, and community connections as population density increases.
“Strategic planning can unlock streets, verges, parks and buildings and bring opportunities to plant, cool and connect places across our suburb,” Mayor Kimber said.
Council is refining the draft plan and will have an extraordinary meeting in late August or early September to vote on the final draft version. Council will then seek State Government endorsement and conduct a final community consultation before it can become policy.
“Our long-term strategic Masterplan will continue to take shape, guided by community consultation, and with key priorities around environmental protection, heritage values, community wellbeing and infrastructure needs,” Mayor Kimber concluded.
For more information on the Masterplan, visit council’s website.