Three-storey block of flats proposed for Bowden Rd
Public comment will be received until March 19 on a proposal to build a three-storey block of eight flats with underground parking in Bowden Rd, Woy Woy, according to the Council's "ePlanning Portal".
The flats would be built at 16 Bowden Rd at a cost of $3.83 million.
The development would contain two one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units.
The proposal in non-compliant with planning provisions in a number of respects.
Basement car parking would provide space for 11 cars, falling one space short of the requirement for 12 spaces.
With a floor space ratio of 0.77:1, the proposal exceeds the maximum ratio of 0.7:1 by 10 per cent.
The proposed height of 11.32 metres exceeds the maximum height of 11 metres.
It does not meet the minimum requirement of 25 per cent communal open space, nor does it meet minimum side setback requirements, according to a statement prepared by planning consultants Clarke Dowdle and Associates for the applicant Howard Leslie and Associates
At 41.6m in length, it exceeds the maximum of 25 metres by more than 60 per cent.
The deep soil area of 21 per cent of the site falls short of the requirement of 25 per cent.
As part of the argument for approval of the project, the planning consultants provided a catalogue of precedents on the Peninsula where the Council had failed to enforce the planning provisions in issuing development approvals.
They gave 31 examples where approval was given for non-compliant multi-dwelling developments "with the same design scale, height, setbacks, site cover and parking".
Ten examples were given of developments that failed to meet setback requirements.
Four photos were provided showing approved gun-barrel driveways without landscaping.
The consultants claimed that this was evidence of an increasing "demand for superior housing stock within close proximity of the town centre and foreshore", which was supported "by Council's strategy and subsequent planning controls".
Developments of this type would lead to "a rekindling and patronage that the town centre attracted in it heyday", they stated.
"Historically the suburb of Woy Woy was developed and frequented as a coastal escape for visitors to stay and enjoy the natural assets the locale including the access to the Brisbane Water.
"Since the 1920s, the area has become a popular holiday retreat with several hotels and clubs being established near The Boulevarde, and numerous restaurants have become a popular cultural addition to the coastal suburb."
Arguing in favour of the proposal, the consultants stated: "The residential development has been designed with reference to the Apartment Design Guide.
"Each apartment will have direct access to a private balcony or terrace with each having a floor area between 55.5 and 114.3 square metres.
"Residents will also have access to a generous communal open space at ground level.
"All apartments will benefit from extensive views over the local area, including a number with views east towards the water.
"Appropriately sized storage will be provided for each apartment within the car parking levels.
"Pedestrian access from street level will be via a dedicated centrally located residential lobby, leading to a lift.
"A stairwell is also proposed to maximize permeability through the building."
The consultants stated: "The proposed medium density residential development would provide residential accommodation within a building that is commensurate with the desired scale, height and site coverage of mixed use development occurring along Blackwall Rd as well as within the Woy Woy town centre."
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 3 Mar 2021
DA 60711/2021, Central Coast Council