LOCAL residents are calling foul on a Newcastle council proposal to build an apartment block on the old Lynch's Prawn site in Wharf Road.
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Honeysuckle Residents Association members Alistair Christie and Bruce Wade called the four-storey apartment block a "trumped up sardine can on steroids" at a Public Voice session last week.
They said the council had showed a complete disregard for its own rules regarding pedestrian access to the waterfront, building separation, and setbacks from the waterfront.
A number of residents would also lose their waterfront views, significantly decreasing the value of their properties.
The association said approval of the plans would set a bad precedent for years to come.
Newcastle council's efforts to develop the site have already totalled more than $250,000.
The Land and Environment Court rejected the council's last proposal in 2008.
Architect Justin Hamilton, speaking on behalf of the council, said the apartment block was high quality and iconic.
He said the plans met all height limits and sat within the site's boundaries.
Lord mayor Jeff McCloy said council staff would prepare responses to the residents' claims and councillors' questions.