Work at a residential site near Bronte Beach has been paused after an approved low-density housing project was set aside while a higher-density apartment proposal is explored at 122–128 Hewlett Street.
Background And Context
The Hewlett Street site was previously approved for a low-density residential development comprising 10 self-contained dwellings on a 2,472 square metre parcel of land. Work was underway under that approval before being paused mid-construction as an alternative development approach was considered.
The shift followed the introduction of a planning pathway that allows certain residential projects to be assessed outside the usual local development process. In response, the proponent began pursuing a proposal involving a significantly higher number of homes on the same site.
Revised Proposal Under Consideration
The revised concept involves between 100 and 120 apartments across buildings ranging from four to nine storeys. The site is located about 300 metres from Bronte Beach, within a coastal residential area characterised by narrow, split-level streets and limited vehicle access.
No architectural design has been lodged at this stage. Instead, a building envelope has been prepared to demonstrate the maximum height and scale that could be accommodated on the site, rather than a final building layout or design.
Planning Status
The proposal has been taken into the state significant development process following consideration by the Housing Delivery Authority. This status does not constitute approval and does not allow construction to recommence.
Environmental and technical assessments are still required before a formal development application can be submitted. Public exhibition and community consultation will only occur once that application is lodged and supporting documentation is complete.
Local Response
Residents have raised concerns about the implications of a development of this scale so close to Bronte Beach, particularly in relation to traffic volumes, parking demand and road safety. Additional issues raised include potential impacts on privacy, sunlight and views for neighbouring properties, as well as the visual scale of taller buildings within the surrounding landscape.
Concerns have also been expressed about increased activity on Hewlett Street, with residents pointing to the constraints of the existing road network.
What Happens Next
The site remains inactive while further studies are undertaken. The proposal cannot progress to public exhibition or determination until a formal application is lodged and assessed.
Published 3-Feb-2026