Rise of high-density living a new low for Sydney

We are blessed with a sunny climate and enough space to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle that is the envy of many. But single-house communities are becoming a threatened species. Attractive suburbs with flowers and foliage are being overrun by concrete and bitumen. Bewildered long-time residents find themselves in the shadows of unit blocks.

High density is a central feature of plans being developed for the land around stations on the future metro lines, but the supporting authorities are unable to prove that high density is better for society or the environment. There is evidence that it makes things worse, not better, in at least six ways.