'Standards set out in DCP have not been complied with'
An application to build three townhouses in Augusta St, Umina, has been approved by Central Coast Council on March 2, with the application acknowledging that it did not comply with planning controls for setback and open space.
"It is clear that the numerical standards set out in the DCP have not been complied with on numerous occasions," the application stated.
"This DA relied on precedents, where the setback standards were not complied with in the Umina and Woy Woy areas.
"There is a lack of large sites and development is constrained to smaller sites where setback requirements are difficult to achieve with economic yield of dwellings.
"Consequently, the numerical standards may be viewed as overly restrictive for satisfactory medium density development to take place.
"It is therefore argued that the proposed development should be considered an acceptable proposal as it is in keeping with the DCP objectives."
The application claimed: "The proposed development will make available affordable medium density residential housing for the community.
"The proposed setbacks are the most suitable solutions to the existing site constraints," it said.
"The proposal will rejuvenate the site and complement the desired form, orientation and scale of surrounding properties.
"Recently the adjacent property 4 Augusta St has been approved for a multi-unit development with similar design, setbacks and site cover."
The site has a land area of 847 square metres and currently comprises a single storey brick house.
According to application, the first townhouse will have side entry on the ground floor.
The ground floor will include the kitchen, dining, living and master bedroom, laundry, guest toilet and storage.
The first floor will accommodate another lounge room, three bedrooms, linen and bathroom.
A ground floor courtyard will be accessed from the living room and the dwelling will have a double garage with internal access.
The second townhouse will also have side entry via a porch on the ground floor.
The ground floor will include kitchen and dining, both of which will have access to a courtyard.
A living room, laundry, guest toilet and storage will also be located on the ground floor.
The master bedroom, two other bedrooms, a lounge room, bathroom and linen cupboard will be on the first floor and townhouse two will have a single garage.
The third residence will have the same layout as townhouse one.
SOURCE:
Gosford DA Tracker, 7 Mar 2018
DA53456/2017, Central Coast Council