Affordable housing proposal has 17 one-bedroom units
A 21-unit development has been proposed at 18 Macleay Ave, Woy Woy, to provide "affordable housing in Woy Woy where a significant lack of smaller properties are available for rent".
The proposal is described as a mix of "residential flat buildings and multi-dwelling housing" with 17 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units.
It was prepared by Barker Ryan Stewart Pty Ltd for Pacific Link Housing.
"The development predominantly employs a two-storey form with the provision of single storey villas along the southern boundary," the application states.
The proposal features a 5.5 metre wide central concrete driveway, which "facilitates a communal area that will function as the central hub for the interaction of residents".
The development is described as "generally compliant" with the different standards for flats and for multi-dwelling housing (units G09-G11).
However, it does not comply with development controls for parking, private open space, solar access, garbage and waste services and setback.
The proposal includes 27 car spaces of "at grade" parking at the rear, where the requirement is stated to be 35.7 spaces of which 4.2 would be visitor spaces.
The application noted that "affordable housing developments are generally undertaken in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing)", which allows "discounted parking rates".
However, to qualify, the proposed development had to be within 400m of a bus stop providing hourly services between 6am and 9pm.
"Bus services are provided every two hours on a Sunday, therefore precluding the development from utilising the controls in the Housing SEPP."
Three units are not compliant with the private open space requirements of 45 square metres and 4.5 metre minimum dimension.
Unit G09 has 26 square metres, while Units G10 and G11 each have 17 square metres.
Unit G09 will not receive the required amount of sunlight which is three hours of unobstructed sunlight access between 9am and 3pm on June 21.
The front setback is five centimetres short of the six metre requirement.
Garbage and waste services requirements are also not met.
The application argues: "The controls for multi dwelling housing are considered to represent an over estimate of the waste generation for this size of dwelling given the typical townhouse-villa is three bedrooms."
The proposal requires the removal of 31 individual trees and one "stand" of trees.
"A further 19 trees can be retained within close proximity to the development footprint."
The application states: "The proposed clearing of native vegetation does not exceed the Biodiversity Offset Scheme Threshold and the site is not heritage listed."
It claims: "The proposal does not require a supporting biodiversity development assessment report because: the development is not likely to significantly affect threatened species or ecological communities, or their habitats; the development does not trigger any biodiversity offsets schemes; and the development is not proposed in a declared area of outstanding biodiversity value.
"A comprehensive assessment of ecological impact was undertaken in the Ecological Assessment Report.
"A Five-Part Test was undertaken in accordance with the Biodiversity Conservation Act requirements which confirmed that the native vegetation present on site has been disturbed by weed invasion, rubbish dumping, soil disturbances and historical clearing and is in a highly degraded state despite some regrowth.
"No significant impacts to threatened species or ecological communities are expected.
"Proposed landscaping will positively contribute to the ecological values of the surrounding area and the translocation of soils associated with Plant Community Type 1645 will be facilitated to a nearby Council site as per request of the Council.
"The development will facilitate the installation of 23 trees with mature heights up to 10 metres in addition to an extensive integration of groundcover planting and shrubs to mature heights of four metres."
The application describes the overall design: "The development proposes a contemporary and lightweight form with masonry elements complemented by cladding and articulation of the upper storey."
"The development provides an attractive upgrade to the streetscape with a generous landscaped front setback comprising planting and sandstone block fencing."
"The proposed landscape treatment of the site will significantly upgrade the streetscape and promote a welcoming environment for residents and their guests to live and socialise."
The application is on public exhibition for written submissions until March 8.
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 3 Feb 2024
DA/2464/2023, Central Coast Council