Councillors to inspect three-unit development site

A decision on a development proposed for three units at 4 Clifford St, Umina Beach, was deferred at the October 8 meeting of council.

The councillors voted to inspect the site which had carried a staff recommendation to grant consent despite a number of variations from planning provision requirements.

The development application (DA 54622) from Mr David Murray went to the councillors because the site at 670.square metres was smaller by 10.6 per cent than the site requirement of 750 square metres for a multi-dwelling housing development.

It also departs from the maximum floor height for the lowest occupied storey, with a small portion of one of the units being 1.3 metres, a variation of 30 per cent.

According to the application, this was a result of topography, with the site falling away from the road.

The proposed ceiling height of the upper level was 2.55 metres, 14 centimetres less than the requirement of 2.7m for a building of two storeys, a variation of 5.6 per cent.

The setbacks from site boundaries to exterior walls were 70 per cent less than required on the eastern side, 57 per cent on the western side, and 12.55 per cent on the front setback.

Dwellings with ground floor entry required a minimum private open space of 50 square metres and this proposal has only 44.14 square metres.

A "derelict" home on the site would be demolished and the replaced with a two-bedroom unit and two three-bedroom units at an estimated cost of $975,000.

The proposal was publicly exhibited for 21 days in June-July last year and three submissions were received.

During debate at the council meeting, Cr Greg Best argued against deferring the decision, saying it only had three objections, the applicant had been waiting 12 months and that the council's professional planning staff said the variations were only minor.

Cr Jeff Sundstrom said the setbacks of 70 per cent and 50 per cent were not minor.

"We should perform our roles as councillors and make a site inspection," he said.

Cr Jane Smith earlier had proposed the site visit.

At the public forum before the council meeting, Mr Glen Alston addressed the council.

He said he lived next door and the house had been empty for more than 10 years.

He said his main concern was that vermin which inhabited the house would move next door to his place when construction started.

The applicant's planning consultant Mr Matthew Wales also spoke at the public forum.

He said he agreed with the issues brought up by the first speaker and the development would be aware of the issues and assist.

He urged the councillors to accept the development.

The matter will come back to a meeting after the councillors have visited the site.

SOURCE:

Central Coast Council agenda 2.1, 8 Oct, 2019