The three tower structure – two towers reaching 12 storeys and one eight – would include 52 residential units in Reserve Road, the gateway to Forster’s northern entrance.

The billboard on the vacant block advertises the maximum height of the proposed building would allow for 30 metres or eight levels, not the 42.5 metres shown in the draft drawings, neighbouring Paradise Court resident and executive committee chairman, Eric Cairnduff said.

Mr Cairnduff said he was not against development and Paradise Court residents knew the block would be developed. But he said he was shocked and angry when he received council’s letter informing his group a DA had been received to develop the multi-storey building.

His anger grew when he learned Paradise Court was the only near-by property to receive correspondence from council.

Russ McBurnie, who lives in nearby Parkside Marina, a six storey, seven unit apartment block, said he learned about the project from Mr Cairnduff after Christmas.

He described council’s move as cunning. They are putting this information out over Christmas when everyone is on holidays, Mr McBurnie said.

“This 12 storey eyesore will totally detract from the uniquely beautiful view that everyone experiences every time they cross the bridge.

“If the building intended was in keeping with the building height of all existing units in the immediate area it would have nowhere near the negative impact on the ambience of this most iconic place.”

Residents have asked how council planned to manage traffic and parking in the already congested street.

“The traffic is always a problem is this very short street and access to the roundabout on Head Street is quite chaotic at times,” Mr McBurnie said.

Mr Ciarnduff said with the number of units proposed, his concern was the number of parking spots allocated to the property.

“Reserve Road is already congested and parking is very limited.”

He said the council car park opposite the property was full on a daily basis.

“With 52 extra units and already over congested road, parking will increase and create havoc on our roads and cause bottlenecks.”

Senior town planner Petula Bowden assured there were many process to cover before the DA would be approved.

“That is not to say the end product will be approved; that is the proposal,” Ms Bowden said.

Referring to the existing 30 metre height restrictions in Forster, Ms Bowden said the developer could have to modify the project.

Internal referrals had been issued before Christmas to relevant departments for their input, she said.

Ms Bowden explained it was not council’s policy to get in touch with every neighbouring property unless immediately adjacent to the proposed development.

She confirmed letters were mailed to strata managers and body corporate committees, while an advertisement was placed in the December 20 edition of the GLA.