The City of Sydney planning panel has rejected a proposal from Pacific House Hostel to transform its rooftop into a communal recreational area, following significant community backlash. The plan aimed to create a landscaped space with amenities for guests, allowing up to 50 visitors daily from 7am to 9pm. However, over 150 written objections highlighted concerns from nearby residents regarding increased noise and antisocial behavior linked to the hostel. Notably, residents documented incidents of public disturbances, including sexual activities and drug use near their homes. The hostel's management defended the proposal, claiming it would provide a controlled environment to mitigate disturbances. Despite these assurances, the panel found the potential noise and amenity impacts unacceptable and raised concerns about the heritage value of the building. This decision reflects ongoing tensions between Sydney's nightlife ambitions and local residents' quality of life, as officials seek to balance urban development with community safety.