Residential flats proposed

A development application has been lodged with Central Coast Council to build a $1 million three-unit residential flat building at Berith St, Umina.

If the development proceeds, an existing 115 square metre dwelling on the land would be demolished and replaced with three dwellings over two storeys with a total floor area of 411 square metres.

The subject site has a total land area of 790 square metres, according to a Statement of Environmental Effects submitted with the application by Howard Leslie and Associates.

All units would have three bedrooms and the development will include secured car parking for four vehicles.

According to the applicant, the development generally complies with the Local Environment Plan with some minor variations.

The proposed development was not consistent with the Gosford LEP 2014 requirement for developments in a general residential zone to have a floor space ratio of 0.52 to 1.

In the Statement, the applicant called the 3.9 per cent variation "minor" and said the proposed development met the underlying objective of achieving the planned residential density in the zone.

"The variation to the maximum floor space ratio requirement will not hinder the proper management and development of the Gosford residential catchment," it said.

"The proposal will in fact improve the social and economic welfare of the local community and create a better environment by substantially improving the livability and amenity of the locality through the provision of an improved quality of residential internal and external living.

"The proposal will significantly lift the architectural standard of the locality and set design benchmarks for future development in the precinct.

"Each of the open space-courtyard areas is situated so as to receive adequate sunlight.

"The construction of the residential flat development will have many positive socioeconomic benefits for the local community including local employment opportunities.

"Benefits will include: the provision of a high quality single and two-storey residential development with private courtyard areas that maximise the scenic qualities of the site; creation of part-time and fulltime jobs construction jobs during the construction phase; improvement to the socio-economic standard of the immediate residential area; potential increase in local employment as businesses draw on the improved spending capacity of the new residents; and increased economic activity and services.

"The proposed bulk, height and scale of the building is also consistent with the existing built form in the precinct which represents an area in transition.

"The subject site is located in a relatively prominent position but will not have any significant visual impact on the coast line due to its high degree of architectural treatment, articulation and boundary setbacks.

"The proposed two storey residential development is recommended to Council on the

basis that: it is a permissible use within the current R1 General Residential zone; generally complies with Gosford Development Control Plan 2013; will provide a high quality residential development which will service the local residential market; and can be fully serviced with a range of utilities.

"The proposed development will produce a high quality residential product that will meet the market expectations of the surrounding precinct," the Statement of Environment Effects stated.

Website, 10 Nov 2015

Central Coast Council DA tracker, DA51039/2016