Sydney council narrowly backs controversial plan to build up to 31,000 new homes at fiery meeting

Inner West council has voted to rezone parts of Marrickville, Dulwich Hill and Ashfield to allow increased density. Photograph: Carly Earl/The Guardian

An inner Sydney council has voted to go ahead with a controversial plan to build thousands of high-rise dwellings during a heated meeting which saw frequent interruptions and threats to clear the public gallery.

At a special meeting in Ashfield on Tuesday night, Inner West council voted to fast-track its Our Fairer Future plan, which will see as many as 31,000 homes built in the LGA over the next 15 years, for approval by the New South Wales government.