A plan to build more than 530 homes, including six-storey apartment blocks, on semi-rural land at Ingleside has been knocked back after an overwhelming wave of community opposition, with residents citing bushfire risk, traffic congestion, inadequate evacuation routes and the threat to the area’s unique character as their key concerns.
Read: Proposed 536-Home Development Sparks Debate in Ingleside
The proposal sought to rezone 18 properties in the 28-hectare Wilga Wilson Precinct, just east of the Monash Country Club and bounded by Powderworks Road, Wilga Street and Wilson Avenue, to accommodate 133 detached houses, 210 terrace homes and 193 apartments. When the public had its say, the response was unambiguous — 567 of the 606 submissions received were in opposition. Just 39 were in favour.
Local officials voted to reject the proposal in February 2026, resolving not to support it being progressed to NSW Planning for approval.
Why the Ingleside Proposal Was Refused
Northern Beaches officials had flagged significant concerns well before the vote, recommending against the proposal on the grounds that it failed to adequately manage bushfire risk and evacuation, lacked access to frequent public transport, and did not provide the community infrastructure needed to support a development of that scale.
The precinct sits less than a kilometre from Garigal National Park. Residents and local representatives raised alarm about what an additional 1,000 to 1,500 people would mean when evacuation orders are issued. Pittwater independent state MP Jacqui Scruby, who formally opposed the plan, argued in her submission that local roads would be “inadequate to safely evacuate” the additional residents alongside those already living in surrounding areas during a major bushfire event.
Environmental concerns also weighed heavily on the decision. Council staff identified the potential loss of endangered native vegetation as a major problem, and submitters argued the development’s density was incompatible with the semi-rural character of Ingleside.
Mayor Sue Heins said the decision reflected both the technical evidence and the community’s voice.
“The proposed development is inconsistent with local and regional housing plans, is not within a designated town centre, lacks access to high frequency public transport and community infrastructure required to support development of this scale,” Mayor Heins said.
“Council staff also identified major environmental issues, including the loss of endangered native vegetation and inadequate plans for bushfire risk management and safe evacuation.
“The community has sent a clear message that any new development must respect the character of our neighbourhoods and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of residents.
“Key community concerns included increased traffic congestion, environmental impacts, bushfire risks, insufficient infrastructure and the proposal’s incompatibility with the unique identity of Ingleside and Elanora Heights.”
Terrey Hills Progress Association president Paul Davenport said the area was not suited to large-scale development, warning it had the potential to permanently change the suburb. He said any assessment should take into account the semi-rural characteristics of the local area, which he believed should ideally be maintained.
The decision echoes a similar outcome in 2022, when a plan by former Coalition state officials to allow close to 1,000 homes in Ingleside was shelved after concerns were raised about inadequate evacuation routes, traffic, transport and the cost of public infrastructure.
Northern Beaches is required to meet the NSW target of 5,900 new homes by 2029 as part of state planning reforms designed to ease Sydney’s housing shortage. That pressure is unlikely to ease, and the broader question of where new housing gets built across the Northern Beaches remains unresolved.
For now, the semi-rural character of Ingleside is protected, though the applicants retain the right to request a rezoning review by the Sydney North Planning Panel. Council has committed to keeping the community informed of any further developments.
Read: Rezoning Proposal in Ingleside Prompts Safety Concerns From Local Residents
Mayor Heins said the outcome reflected the council’s broader commitment to getting housing right, not just housing fast.
“Council remains committed to working with the community to deliver appropriate housing in suitable locations, in line with strategic plans and the values of the Northern Beaches,” she said.
Published 28-February-2026
