Townhouse proposal justified as affordable housing
Three two-storey townhouses will be built at 167 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach, in a "gunbarrel" layout if a development application received by Central Coast Council is approved.
The application, prepared by Clark Dowdle and Associates for the owners, claims: "The multi-dwelling development has been considered as a collection of townhouses to provide modern, simple, sustainable and comfortable urban living for singles and couples."
The lot size of 670 square metres is well below the planning requirement of 750 square metres for a multi-dwelling development.
According to the application, other non compliances include setbacks, building envelope, building articulation and private open space requirements.
According to an arborist's report, all 10 existing trees on the site would be removed but two street trees would be retained.
The "Clause 4.6 request" for a variation of the development standards states that the area is one of relative socio-economic disadvantage.
According to the application, only 16 per cent of Australians are worse off than those living in Blackwall.
"Subsequently (sic), smaller dwellings are sought for lower rental or affordable housing options within this lower socio-economic area.
"The proposal to large degree has been prepared to cater for smaller self-contained dwellings that are considered more affordable within the Blackwall and Woy Woy-Umina Peninsula area.
"The cost of purchase or rental of a dual occupancy dwelling (compared) to a smaller townhouse would be substantial when presented to the housing market in this area."
However, the application does not provide proposed sale prices to enable the claim of affordability to be tested.
Addressing the requirement for a "variety of housing choice", the application notes that the fact that all units are three bedroom which is considered "acceptable given the scale of the development".
The application also quotes part of a statement by former Central Coast Council planning director Mr Scott Cox which described the "conundrum" involved with trying to balance the need for medium-density housing with the desired character statement for the Blackwall area.
The quote has been taken out of context by the consultants.
Part of Mr Cox's statement has been left out which refers to mitigating factors which do not apply in this case.
The status of application is "Notification-Advertising" according to the council website and is therefore open for written submissions.
No closing date is given on the council's planning portal.
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 2 Mar 2022
DA 223/2022, Central Coast Council