A development application for a transitional group home for drug and alcohol rehabilitation at 74 Glen Road, Ourimbah, has been refused by Central Coast Council.
The supplementary report to Council stated that there has been insufficient information supplied to satisfy Council that the development will have adequate sewer servicing and that the site is suitable for the proposed on-site sewage management system having regard for site topography, soil characteristics and potential impacts on adjoining properties, the endangered ecological community and the watercourse.
Mayor Jane Smith said Council had considered this proposed development carefully including attending a site visit with seven Councillors in June to inspect the location and understand the concerns of neighbours and the local community.
“There has been considerable community interest in the development and Council received 166 submissions on the application. “This is clearly a sensitive matter for everyone in the community and despite the merits of this service being provided within the community, Council does not believe adequate sewer servicing has been provided for the facility nor have the potential impacts of the proposed on-site sewage system been adequately demonstrated. “Based on these grounds, we have refused this application.”
“The information accompanying the application has not demonstrated that the soil types on the site are suitable for the proposed onsite sewer management system,” a staff report, recommending Councillors refused the application, said. “The information accompanying the application has not demonstrated that the site topography and land application area (including size, location and batters) will not adversely impact on adjoining properties and the downslope Endangered Ecological Community and watercourse,” the staff report said. “The proposed onsite sewage management system is contrary to the objectives of Wyong Development Control Plan 2013 Chapter 3.8, On- Site Effl uent Disposal in Non Sewered Areas, to minimise any adverse impacts on the amenity of the subject site and other land in the vicinity of the site.
“A suitable wastewater solution for the site which meets the requirements of AS1547:2012, Onsite domestic wastewater management, and Department of Local Government Environment and Health Protection Guidelines, Onsite Sewage Management for Single Households (1998), has not been provided and is therefore not in the public interest. “The site is highly constrained for onsite sewage management and the available land area is not suitable for a commercial volume of effluent from the proposed development. “The site is not considered suitable for the proposed on-site sewage management system due to the existing site constraints including soil characteristics, the land application area, the site topography and the potential impacts on the existing vegetation and watercourse. “The subject site is constrained being an odd shape, limited cleared area, a creek and dense vegetation.
“The development is located the minimum distance from the creek. “The site has bushfire issues and the development site is restricted by the required asset protection zone (APZ).” In its conclusions, the staff report said: “The Development Application for a transitional group home for the purposes of drug and alcohol rehabilitation, including demolition of existing structures, has been assessed in accordance with … the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. “Despite the merits of an additional social service being provided within the community, insufficient information has been provided to satisfy Council that the site will have adequate onsite sewage servicing.”
Source: Agenda item 2.3, Oct 29 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting Media release, Oct 30 Central Coast Council media