Councillors approve five-townhouse development

Five residential townhouses at 5-7 Bangalow St, Ettalong, gained council approval last Tuesday night.

The matter was referred to the councillors because it attracted 16 submissions with 15 of them objecting to the plan.

But after a few quick questions, the councillors voted to grant consent to the development as recommended by council staff.

Three of the townhouses will access their double garages via an unnamed lane, entering off Tenalga Ave.

This laneway is currently grass and used by surrounding residences as a safe play area for children and as a safe access to the beach front.

However, the council stated the lane provided legal access to the property.

Neighbours were worried that no visitor carparking was included and so visitors would park on the lane.

Cr Louise Greenaway asked if cars would be allowed to park in the laneway and a staff member said it would not be possible.

The report to council said the site was exempt from visitor parking as unrestricted on-street parking at Ettalong waterfront was safely located within 60m of the development.

The proposed two-storey building varies from policy guidelines with reduced ceiling height from the recommended 2.7 down to 2.55m - a variation of 5.55 per cent.

The rear setback to the lane varies up to 75 per cent and site setbacks vary up to 50 per cent.

Council staff said there were a number of setback non-compliances but these would not result in inappropriate overlooking and overshadowing.

The proposal included the removal three existing native trees and, as part of the conditions of approval, six mature native trees will be planted, with two of them on the Bangalow St reserve.

The site is identified as being flood affected land on council's mapping system.

The developer will have to pay section 7.11 contributions totaling $55,069 for roadworks and drainage; open space and community facilities.

SOURCE

Agenda item 2.2, 8 Oct 2019

DA 55574, Central Coast Council