Construction certificate issued for five-unit development
A Construction Certificate has been issued to enable work to commence on a five-unit development at 72 to 74 Railway St, Woy Woy.
The $1 million proposal was lodged with Central Coast Council in March and consent was given in June.
A single dwelling occupied the 937 square metre site which is surrounded by a mix of medium-density and single-dwelling housing.
It adjoins the heritage-listed "Mrs Wilson's Shop" at 68 Railway St.
The proposed five townhouses comply with the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 (GLEP 2014).
However, the proposal has been approved even though it does not comply with the Gosford Development Control Plan 2013 (GDCP 2013) for setbacks, residential car parking, and articulation.
The developer's consultant, Clarke Dowdle and Associates argued that the non-compliance with setbacks was justifiable and "commensurate to building setbacks that have been recently approved, established and permitted in the Woy Woy Peninsula area".
One of the three submissions received objecting to the development called for the preservation of two corymbia ficifolia (red-flowering gum) trees on the property.
"These trees are a spectacular example of this Australian iconic species, the main tree currently stands 10m by 6m ... both have developed to flowering profusely every summer," the submission said.
An assessment report prepared by Council staff said existing dwellings and ancillary structures would be demolished and five two-storey dwellings, each with two bedrooms and a single garage, constructed on the site.
The assessment report did not require the developer to address non-compliances with GDCP 2013.
"The development does not appear as overly bulky or dominant," the Council assessment report said.
"The development will not result in inappropriate overlooking and overshadowing," the report said.
"It is considered that the proposal is consistent with the objectives for setbacks and deep soil zones and thus the variations are supported."
Commenting on articulation, the assessment report said: "It is considered the proposed development is modest in terms of bulk and scale; and does not detract from the scenic qualities of the locality and is compatible with adjoining development."
Private open space was described in the assessment report as "useable".
"At least three hours of direct sunlight will be available to the private open space areas of each dwelling unit.
"Each ground floor courtyard and the first floor balcony's of Units 2 to 4 incorporates sufficient separation for privacy from adjoining properties; and protection from summer sun.
"Generally, the proposal complies and achieves the objectives of the clause with minimal impact on residents and adjoining properties and is supported."
Tree removal was supported by Council's Tree Assessment Officer, according to the report.
"The proposal requires the removal of a street tree located within the proposed vehicle access crossing (driveway).
"The tree is a mature and visually prominent eucalypt contributing to the amenity of the area.
"Unless the entire development was mirror reversed, the tree can not be retained... solar access would be reduced to the habitable areas of the dwelling units if the development was mirror reversed."
SOURCE:
DA54018/2018, 31 Oct 2018
Gosford DA Tracker, Central Coast Council