Fight over fence between Sydney waterfront properties escalates to court battle

A fight over a fence between two Sydney waterfront properties has escalated into a costly court battle, with one resident staging a revealing photo of his wife undressing to argue their privacy has been breached.

The dispute began last year after Robert Wechsler's back neighbour was allowed to build a wooden staircase to improve access to Woodford Bay at Northwood on the Lower North Shore.

The couple didn't object to the pathway but later became concerned it gave users a line of sight into their bedroom.

READ MORE: Mum develops rare second cancer from anti-breast cancer drug

"I want to change. I might want to walk around without many clothes on and I can't in my own bedroom," Katie Wechsler told 9News.

"I might want to sunbathe with no clothes on, it's my privilege but I can't.

"It's my home. I should have freedom of the whole room, not just have to hide in the back."

Wechsler was granted council approval to build a 17-metre boundary wall to match the height of the base of the stairs.

However, neighbours complained the divider was "imposing" and reported it to the council, which found it had been illegally constructed and was higher than approved.

The resident was then ordered to stop work and tear the wall down.

Wechsler is now fighting the ruling in the Land and Environment Court, staging a photo of his wife, who he argues is exposed to anyone walking past.

READ MORE: Who is new British PM Rishi Sunak's wealthy wife?

"It's a sense of privacy that gets invaded, even though they may not be there at the time. You should be able to get privacy in your own property," he said.

According to Lane Cove Council the Wechslers then sought to retroactively get approval which was refused. 

The war over the wall is still to be fought out in the courtroom next month.