Tree canopy could be limited to 15 per cent
The construction of a new dwelling at 40 Patonga Dr, Patonga, would see 15 native trees felled and tree canopy cover limited to 15 per cent, if fire report recommendations are followed.
The development application lodged with Central Coast Council is for a three-bedroom dwelling with an attached garage in "a designated bushfire-prone area" and includes the demolition of an existing structure.
The block has an area of 487.5 square metres, is zoned R2 Low Density Residential and slopes steeply down from the road towards the rear.
The application, prepared by Barker Ryan Stewart, states that the driveway has been designed with an elevated portion to "ensure practical vehicle access", given the slope of the site.
The proposed front setback is 0.5 metres, which does not comply with the required 4.5m front setback of the planning provisions.
The application claims that this variation is supportable because the design is consistent with other residential developments in the area, where garages or parking areas are in close proximity to the road due to the slope.
Otherwise, the application states that the proposal is generally compliant with relevant State and Central planning provisions.
A flora and fauna report, prepared by Mcivor Environmental, determined that the proposal was unlikely to result in significant impacts on any threatened species, populations, or communities.
It did not identify any threatened flora or fauna species, or migratory birds, within the study area.
An arborist report, prepared by Naturally Trees, stated that the proposed development would result in the removal of 15 native trees.
Nine native trees are to be retained on the site.
A bushfire assessment report, produced by Clarke Dowdle and Associates, recommends that the proposed dwelling be constructed to "bushfire attack level - flame zone" requirements "and requires referral to the Rural Fire Service.
The report recommends that "the entire site be managed as an Inner Protection Area", one of the requirements being that tree canopy is to be no more that 15 per cent at maturity.
It also recommends shrubs account for no more than 10 per cent of site cover and grass be kept mown on the remaining 38 per cent of the site not covered by the building.
The application is currently on public exhibition but the Council website gives no closing date for submissions.
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 22 Feb 2025
DA/157/2025, Central Coast Council