Meriton's plans to build 1900 apartments and a hotel in towers up to 22 storeys in Sydney's eastern suburbs have been criticised by Randwick mayor Danny Said as "completely out of proportion" with the area.

Billionaire developer Harry Triguboff wrote to residents saying Meriton would seek approval from Randwick City Council to "increase the development capacity" of its site at Little Bay.

Artist's impression of Meriton's plan to build 1900 apartments at Little Bay in towers up to 22 storeys. Credit:Meriton

"The proposal is consistent with current government planning for future redevelopment of the broader area (including the adjoining housing estate and jail)," Mr Triguboff said.

But Cr Said said residents of Little Bay were right to be concerned about Meriton's plans to build towers up to 73 meters. Maximum building heights for the site currently range from eight to 18 metres, or two to six storeys.