A development backed by media scion James Packer in Sydney’s Kings Cross is pitting the former prime minister Paul Keating against former NSW premier Morris Iemma.

Keating, who lives and works in the Kings Cross area, has long had an interest in preserving its heritage character.

The former prime minister has objected to developer Time and Place’s proposal to replace 80 studio and one-bedroom apartments in the 10-storey Chimes building in Macleay street with a 13-storey building containing mainly luxury apartments.

Keating is particularly incensed that Time and Place is utilising the floorspace bonuses available under the state government’s housing state environmental planning policy (SEPP) to add three extra floors to the 10 storeys permitted.

These must be affordable housing for 15

See Full Page