SEPP 5 development approved

An application for a proposed five-unit single-storey SEPP 5 development at 87 Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy, was approved by Gosford Council at its meeting on January 27.

Council resolved on January 12 to defer the application for inspection.

The application was referred to Council under its resolution in March 2002 that all SEPP 5 "in-fill housing" development applications recommended for approval be submitted to Council for determination.

The State Environmental Planning Policy No. 5 (SEPP 5) overrides local planning controls to ensure the provision of accommodation for the elderly and disabled.

A staff report to the Council stated that "the central location of the site affords it distant views to wooded hillsides and ridgelines".

The report noted: "The proposed single-storey building is consistent with other medium density and SEPP 5 development in the locality.

"The bulk and scale of the unit nearest the street is consistent with that of a single dwelling house, therefore the proposal achieves satisfactory streetscape integration."

However it also found "the proposed landscaping is considered in excess of that required SEPP 5 ...and results in the proposal complying with the requirement to protect and enhance the traditional qualities of the Peninsula's garden suburbs.

"A condition has been included in the consent requiring the landscaping to be carried out generally in accordance with the landscape plan.

"A condition will be included in the consent requiring the provision of dense screening vegetation in front of the bedroom window which faces the street, to ensure that the bedroom is protected from traffic noise and headlight glare.

"The proposal contains a courtyard-privacy fence with a 1.5m setback and landscaping between the fence and the boundary.

"Substantial landscaping at the front of the site will minimise the impact of the proposal on the streetscape."

The council was told that local services were available to support residents of such a development.

"The applicant has provided a letter from Woy Woy General Practice confirming that they can accommodate additional patients."

Council agenda, DH.002, January 27