Retirement village is approved

Gosford Council has approved a retirement village under State Environmental Planning Policy Five (SEPP 5) at 63 Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy, after previously denying permission to build.

The council had resolved on May 6 that: "This matter (will) be deferred to allow council officers and council's architect to hold discussions with the applicant in an endeavour to improve the architectural merit of the development in line with the character of the area."

As a result, the plans were amended to include more intricate architectural designs, as well as a varying roof line.

The developer was informed that council required that it "reduce size of units-site coverage to provide more open space and allow for planting in keeping with the character of the area."

The council also had six other requirements, asking the developer to:

Improve the streetscape facade by re-orienting the front unit to face the street, so it has a street address more in keeping with surrounding residential development.

Increase the rear building setback to allow space for increased landscaping and reduce the impact on neighbouring properties.

Break the roof line to reduce the appearance of one continuous building.

Increase landscaping to the front and rear of the property, to screen the development and maintain the character of the area.

Relocate and redesign garage to the rear of site to reduce impact of the side wall on neighbouring properties - as the gable end increases bulk along the boundary.

Landscaping is also to be carried out with "super advanced species" and continually maintained upon the unbuilt portion of the site.

The developer amended the plans and council officers commented that the changes had been made.

Council officers commented: "Although the architectural 'style' is not necessarily in keeping with the character of traditional development in the area, overall in terms of building bulk, setbacks etc, the appearance of the building is improved.

"The "gun barrel" appearance of the driveway is reduced and the impact on the surrounding character is reduced.

"Given that the development is a permitted use and the amended design has reduced the impacts on the character of the area, it is not considered that refusal based on character alone is warranted.

"The applicant should ensure that some mature plant species be incorporated to provide immediate softening of building when viewed from the street."

Council agenda DH.047, August 5