But residents fear the tower will increase local traffic congestion, see the loss of limited local parking spots and ruin their privacy, as the new high-rise residents stare into their backyards. "They will be like animals in the zoo - perpetually on display," said resident Robyn Westwood. "We do not need such a monstrous development here and especially do not want our council to set a precedent for other skyscrapers [in the area]." The triangular development site is ringed in by three major thoroughfares, including Upper Heidelberg Road and Bell Street. It is understood the block is already one of the tallest points in Melbourne's suburbs, while the proposed building is almost three times taller than the maximum height recommended for the location. On Tuesday a community meeting was held by Banyule City Council to allow objectors to air their many grievances about the project. It is understood a representative from the Austin Hospital was among them, raising concerns about the impact of the tall building on the hospital's patients.

Resident Greg Stanfield said he was also worried about people living in the new complex being isolated by the main roads surrounding the tower. "What you're creating is a glorified rat's nest that is not going to work for anybody other than the developer," he said. With council to decide on the matter next week, many residents were upset they had not had enough time to have their say about the major application submitted to council a few days before Christmas. Others said there was little point talking further, as the objectors were likely to remain opposed to the project no matter what was said. "We can look at the shadow diagrams and we can try to tell you that you will not be impacted by shadows on the equinox … But I don't think it's going to convince you," Caydon representative John Cicero said. "I'm not sure where this is going to go but obviously there is a council decision and depending on that then we'll see what happens." Caydon's position is that the site of the proposed tower has been recognised as a landmark, and it therefore deserves a landmark building.

The alternative they explained would be a "squat" apartment complex built up to the boundary of the site that would be wide rather than tall. In their application the company said their proposed building by Peddle Thorp Architects "exhibits the hallmarks of an iconic design, which will provide a lasting landmark for the Heidelberg Activity Centre and its hinterland". Councillors will vote on the application on Monday night. An application for an 11-storey building at the same location at 443 Upper Heidelberg Road was rejected in 2002 by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.