Two houses replaced with six units

Gosford Council has approved the development of a residential flat building at 67 Memorial Ave, Blackwall.

Two existing houses are to be knocked down and flats with two medium units and four large units are to be constructed.

Units one and five are to be two-storey.

There were three public submission received for the development.

They objected to the development as it was not in keeping with the ambience of the street, and generally objected to medium density housing.

There were also concerns regarding traffic on Memorial Ave.

The Roads and Traffic Authority recommended the vehicular movements from the site be in a forward direction, this was taken on board.

"The main matters are a generic objection to medium density developments rather than specific issue relating to the proposal," a staff report to the council noted.

"Objection to the zoning of the site is not applicable in the assessment of the application."

The development was found to comply with the required character statements for the area.

The design met the requirements such as mix of activities, maintaining views, combination of houses and villas and low-key improvements.

The combination of single storey and two storey units was found to add to the mix, the majority of units being single-storey was in keeping with views and the general design and landscaping found to be in line with character.

The application did not provide enough open space, as it was four per cent under the requirement and was one parking space short.

However, the shortfall in open space was considered minor by Council staff.

Since the design was considered favourable, the requirement was waived.

The parking requirement was also waived as all units had a garage.

Council agenda, DH 034, April 20