Council refuses Ettalong townhouse application
Central Coast Council has refused an application for a multi-dwelling development with three townhouses at 121 Memorial Ave, Ettalong.
The refusal was primarily based on inconsistencies with planning objectives and controls.
The Council found that the proposed development was inconsistent with the objectives of the R1 General Residential zone, as it did not enhance the residential amenity and character of the low-density residential area due to numerous non-compliances.
The application also failed to demonstrate suitable arrangements for essential services such as roadworks, access, flood management, water cycle management, and waste disposal, as required by planning provisions. A significant number of non-compliances were also identified, including inadequate building and garage setbacks, a failure to suitably demonstrate a suitably articulated facade, and the provision of unsatisfactory private open space areas for each unit.
The development also did not adequately demonstrate compliance with minimum solar access to private open space, adequate parking provision, or provide an adequate landscaping design and tree replacement.
The assessment report highlighted specific issues such as a shortfall in resident and visitor parking spaces, garages not being suitably setback, and inadequate dimensions for parking spaces.
Concerns were also raised about the development's inconsistency with the desired character of the Ettalong Beach "Sandplain Bungalows" area, noting issues with siting, form, scale and landscaping.
Internal referrals from Council's engineering, tree officer, and water and sewer divisions raised concerns or did not support the application due to insufficient information or non-compliance.
Consequently, and due to the development not being compatible with the constraints of the site, Council considered the proposed development not to be in the public interest.
The applicant, Ms I Heintz, has been advised of the Council's decision and the right to apply for a review or to appeal the determination to the Land and Environmental Court within six months.
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 22 Mar 2025
DA/376/2024, Central Coast Council