Applicant challenges planning panel rejection

The applicant for a six-storey development at 237 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong, has challenged the rejection of his application by the Local Planning Panel.

"The rejection was based on major non-compliance issues, including the five storey zoning, 'poor amenity for future residents and visitors', 'adverse impacts on the neighbouring low density residential properties ', and that the proposal was 'not in the public interest'," according residents' group convenor Mr Peter Gillis..

"The Council's original advice to this developer was 'the height of the building is to be reduced to five storeys with the height of the building reduced to two storeys at the residential zone interface'.

"The developer subsequently submitted another larger proposal of six storeys (DA57779), which the Council planning department then supported."

Mr Gillis said the Responsible Residents for Ettalong Development group was encouraged when this was rejected by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel.

He said the applicant had returned, with the proposal unchanged, citing legal precedents and excusing the non-compliance.

"The developer states that the proposal is 'consistent with the desired future character of the Ettalong Beach area'.

"We believe that the future character of our Ettalong Beach area must remain as it is, a seaside low-rise village.

"We think the Ettalong Beach community should formally object to this DA on the grounds that the proposed building is not in character with other Ettalong Beach buildings.

"The size and height of the building are excessive and non-compliant.

"The building would create shading issues for the adjacent areas and the street.

"It's next to a residential area to the north, and would seriously impact their privacy.

"It would create major traffic issues from 26 new dwellings built next to the already approved Centrelink building of 52 units (DA49986)."

Mr Gillis said: "The proposed height is still 19.41 metres above ground level, and six storeys.

"The current zone limit is 17 metres and five storeys.

"This proposal has a setback of just 7.8 metres from the north boundary R1 zone, and doesn't meet other setback requirements on three sides.

"The street facade is required to be stepped back by three metres. This proposal shows no street setback.

"The levels above the front two storeys should be tiered back at an angle of 45 degrees.

"This hasn't been done. The facade is five storeys."

Mr Gillis said the increased traffic and visitor parking would be "chaotic".

"The traffic survey was based on old data and a minimal survey.

"It did not take into account new local developments.

SOURCE:

Media release, 6 Aug 2021

Peter Gillis, RRED