The Central Coast Local Planning Panel (LPP) approved a controversial two-storey block of units for 42 South St, Umina Beach, at its August 23 meeting.
Six people addressed the panel prior to the meeting to oppose the development, with architect Rocco Furfaro and planner Ravi Sharma speaking on behalf of the applicant.
Despite a chequered history, the development went to the panel with a recommendation for approval from Central Coast Council.
The development will see a house on the site demolished and the construction of a two-storey residential flat building containing five units.
There will be a three-bedroom unit and two two-bedroom units on the ground floor and two three-bedroom units on the upper level.
The development will include basement car parking with access from Fyffe Lane to accommodate nine car parking spaces comprising eight residential spaces (including two accessible) and one for visitors.
The application was first lodged on January 25, 2021, as a six-unit development.
After 27 submissions were received, the applicant was asked to address issues in relation to building height, floor space ratio, setbacks, sunlight and overshadowing, private open space, landscaping and waste management.
On August 20, 2021, amended architectural plans, a revised Statement of Environmental Effects and supporting documentation were lodged, cutting the number of units by one, reducing floor space ratio and increasing setbacks.
An amended landscape plan allowed for more substantial native tree planting.
A meeting was held on October 19, 2021, with residents of South St surrounding the site to facilitate questions regarding the proposed development.
Notwithstanding the reduced scheme, 33 submissions were received on the application.
The LPP unanimously approved the project, saying it was a “compatible form of development that does not result in unreasonable environmental amenity impacts, and that there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the floor space ratio development standard”.
The panel also said the development would be in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the development standard and the objectives for development within its R1 General Residential zone.
Source:
Minutes, Central Coast Local Planning Panel meeting, August 23