High density planning controls start today
New planning controls for "transport-oriented development" apply from today in Woy Woy.
A map has been issued showing the properties to which it applies.
It appears to exclude Woy Woy's two hotels, the library and the Masonic hall and Mrs Wilson's Shop.
Detailed provisions have been added as a new chapter to the State Environmental Planning Policy for housing to allow residential flats in residential zones and local centre zones, along with shop top housing in local centre zones..
They differ from the provisions previously proposed.
Where the proposed building height was previously 21 metres, a maximum height of 22 metres has been introduced for flats and 24 metres for "shop top" housing.
This is a height increase of more than four metres for Woy Woy's commercial area.
The floor space ratio is 2.5:1, reduced from the proposed 3.0:1.
A minimum lot width of 21 metres has been introduced.
This currently includes three shopping centres (Deepwater Plaza, Peninsula Plaza and The Pavilion) and car parks, two fast food outlets (McDonalds and KFC) and two public buildings (the police station and the courthouse).
Apart from these, only 22 properties would fall within the provisions, the largest being the former Woy Woy Leagues Club, the Clocktower building, the old Roma Guesthouse at 53 Brickwharf Rd and an existing residential development at 13 Paton St.
The new provisions are in addition to current Council provisions which allow up to 19.5 metre buildings in the commercial area with a floor space ratio of 2.3:1 on site with a minimum area of 1000 square metres and a 20 metre street frontage.
These provisions only appear to apply to two sites not covered by the Transport-Oriented Development provisions, being on each side of the McDonalds store in Charlton St.
The Transport-Oriented Development provisions state their objectives are to provide "well designed" housing of "appropriate bulk and scale" that has "amenity and liveability" and increases affordable housing stock.
The Department of Planning website says the 2.5:1 floor space ratio "allows for buildings of up to six storeys while providing for good design outcomes in relation to landscaping, building setbacks, privacy and open space".
It says the Apartment Design Guide will continue to be the principal guiding document for apartment development.
The new rules require a mandatory two per cent affordable housing contribution, "delivered onsite and in perpetuity for developments with a minimum gross floor area of 2000 square metres", according to the website.
"Affordable housing must be managed by a registered community housing provider.
"The percentage of the affordable housing contribution will be increased over time."
Caption: Excluding shopping centres, car parks, fast food outlets and public buildings, only 22 properties seem to be alble to take advantage of new Transport-Oriented Development planning provisions without consolidation of allotments.
SOURCE:
Website, 10 May 2024
Transport-Oriented Development, Department of Planning