Proposal for 'co-living' opposite new ambulance station
A proposal has been made for "a co-living development" at 65 Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy, opposite the new ambulance station.
The development application states that it has been prepared by Clarke Dowdle for Moov Modular Ltd and is based on plans and information provided by them.
"The NSW Department of Planning describes co-living housing as a new type of housing that provides small, self-contained private rooms complemented by shared indoor and outdoor spaces," the application states.
The 904 square metre site will accommodate 11 self contained dwellings, each one comprising "a bed area, kitchen, bathroom, living-dining room and laundry facilities".
"Each room includes private open space in the form of a balcony or courtyard."
Accompanying the application is a Social Impact Assessment prepared by Sarah George, which states: "The subject application includes 11 studio and/or one bedroom units and provides a total of six car parking spaces (including one accessible space), two motorbike spaces, and bicycle parking for eight bicycles.
"Given the location of the subject site, in close proximity to public transport and the Woy Woy Hospital and Brisbane Water's Private Hospital, it is anticipated that a proportion of residents won't have their own vehicles, choosing instead to walk, ride or use public transport to go to work."
According to the plans, 10 of the units have a floor area of 22 square metres, not including kitchen and bathroom.
The "accessible" unit, located on the ground floor, has an area of 25 square metres.
The standard units also have a balcony of 6.5 square metres with the accessible unit having a 14.8 square metres balcony.
The proposal also includes an administration-common area of 43 square metres.
The Plan of Management which also accompanies the application advises that -
"Whilst providing a choice of accommodation in the lower end of the market, the expected rental rate would range between $300 and $350/week which will suit a tenant receiving a higher income than someone on social welfare."
"The co-living business model has been designed to attract a sufficient rental return enabling for the provision of high amenity design providing a benefit to the community.
"This will ensure a high residential retention rate and minimise the impact on adjoining residents."
The application generally claims compliance with all clauses of the Co Housing State planning policy, and local planning provisions, apart from the proposed front setback which is "generally forward of the dwelling houses in relation to the front boundary in the street".
The application lists a number of reasons why this variation meets "overarching objectives".
DA992/2023 is currently open for written submissions from the public.
The closing date for submissions has not, as yet, appeared on the Central Coast Council website.
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 26 May 2023
DA992/2023, Central Coast Council