Grandmother claims developer is forcing her to move

Patricia Rosenbrock has lived in her home for 30 years and plans to spend the rest of her days there, but the NSW government has a different idea.

Developer Fortis wants to buy the 81-year-old's complex to expand plans for nine luxury dwellings to 120 units in Bronte, in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Patricia says Fortis bypassed Waverley Council and went straight to the NSW government's Housing Delivery Authority, which declared the project a State Significant Development (SSD).

Patricia says the developer offered $54 million for the complex, but the grandmother is digging in her heels and won't budge, regardless of the sale price.

"This is my home, this is where I am, and this is where I'd like to be when I leave this earth," said Patricia.

D'Leanne Lewis founded the local action group Bronte Community Association, calling for more transparency around the project.

"It's unacceptable, it's a disgrace," Lewis said.

"Where's the consultation with council? Where's the consultation with communities?"

According to a Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure spokesperson, a declaration as SSD is not approval.

Fortis has yet to lodge a formal application for the expanded plans. In a statement from Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, when the application is lodged "the community will be able to have their say".

"It is my firm belief that developments of this scale are better suited to areas like Bondi Junction rather than Bronte."

According to a Fortis spokesperson, the company has vowed to "consult with council to ensure the best possible outcome for the site and the community... we do not pressure owners to sell".

Fortis has not yet pursued a forced sale. In New South Wales, under the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015, if 75 per cent of owners in a strata building agree to a sale, it can proceed, the Land and Environment Court will be involved.

"I'm prepared to fight for my home," said Patricia.

Watch the full video in the player above.

FULL NSW PLANNING, HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE STATEMENT

The proposal for 122-128 Hewlett Street, Bronte has been declared State Significant Development (SSD) following the Housing Delivery Authority's recommendation to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

A declaration as SSD is not an approval.

A declaration does not negate any of the requirements of an assessment process and does not guarantee an approval.

All proposals through the HDA pathway that are declared and proceed to a development application go through a full merit assessment, including public exhibition and consultation with councils.

The proposal for 122-128 Hewlett Street has been declared but has not yet requested SEARs, so is yet to formally begin the application process in the planning system. Under the HDA, proponents have a 9-month period from when a declaration is issued to have SEARs issued by the Department.

FULL FORTIS STATEMENT

Under the new rules we are required to liaise directly with the State Government Department of Planning. However, we will also consult with Council to ensure the best possible outcome for the site and the community.

- Has Fortis consulted Council accordingly in regards to the density of this site and whether it fits the context of the environment?

We have made multiple purchases of sites with multiple strata owners over the years, including in purchasing our existing property in Hewlett Street and our development project at Billyard Avenue in Elizabeth Bay. To-date, we have always managed to reach agreement with every owner and have never needed a court order.

We do not pressure owners to sell.