Residents have until November 4 to lodge a submission on a five-storey mixed-use development proposed for the corner of Ocean View Rd and Memorial Ave, Ettalong Beach.
The site, which is diagonally opposite Ettalong Diggers, is largely considered to be the entry point to the village.
Originally the site of the Ettalong Post Office (approved 1984), the prime spot has since been occupied by a pharmacy and then a restaurant, but a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) lodged with the Development Application (DA) says the existing building no longer represents the “highest and best use of the site”.
The proposal, by Baruhoy Investment Pty Ltd, would see the existing commercial building demolished to make way for a shop-top housing development with ground floor retail floor space, four levels containing 23 residential units, a rooftop terrace and basement parking for 36 vehicles.
It calls for an exception to development standards for height and floor space ratio.
The SEE says variations to building height standards meet the objectives of the B2 zoning for a variety of reasons.
It will provide an area of specialised high-quality retail which serves the needs of people who live in, work in and visit the Ettalong Beach area and encourage employment opportunities in an accessible location, the SEE says.
It says the development would also maximise public transport patronage and provide residential accommodation and is compatible with the desired future character of the zone, with a high-quality design promoting ecologically, socially and economically sustainable development.
The SEE says the development will also ensure that Ettalong Beach continues to be recognised as providing a broad range of services and facilities to serve the population of the locality and as a key tourist destination with boutique activities.
“It is considered that the proposal satisfies the public interest test as it is general consistent with both the objectives of the standard and for development within the zone,” the SEE says.
More than 20 objections have been received, with many saying the size and scale of the development is inappropriate for the Ettalong village centre.
Other concerns raised include: shadowing issues, traffic and parking problems, domination of streetscape and lack of setback.
“Blackwall Mountain should not be dwarfed,” one submission says.
“Once our village is gone, it is gone forever.”
Submissions on the proposal close on November 4.
Source:
Central Coast Council DA tracker
DA 146/2022
Don’t turn ETTALONG into Gosford waterfront property with the high building 🏢 we are not the gold coast or Sydney
This is the sort of development the central coast area needs. Increased housing, improved retail and clearing out ugly and poor quality buildings. Ettalong Beach needs more high standard housing.
The development that is currently being built along Ocean View Road Ettalong Beach on the old Centrelink site is a demonstration of the inappropriate apartment blocks being built in Ettalong. This new proposal is too high it will dominated the streetscape and destroy any notion of Ettalong Beach being a village. The number of vacant shop sites should demonstrate that Ettalong Beach cannot support commercial development.